Let's talk about...the playoffs

[AuricGoldfinger]

I think we can all agree that...

* If Georgia wins out, they're in.
* If Georgia loses in the SECCG, they're still in.
* The winner of Michigan-Ohio State, if they win out, is in.
* If TCU wins out, they're in.

What happens if...
* LSU wins out. Are they in? Would that keep UT out of the playoffs, deservedly or undeservedly?
* A 1-loss USC wins out. Are they more or less likely to get into the playoff over a 1-loss UT?
* Is a 1-loss Clemson or UNC out regardless of what happens in the next three weeks?

[OldDude]

No matter what happens from here out, UT is out because they are jerks.

[Johnmn555]

The chances of UT getting in are very high. There will definitely be one, and perhaps two, spots for one loss teams. UT will probably have the best resume of any one loss team. Even if LSU upsets GA, it would have one loss, and that would be a walloping from UT. Michigan and Clemson will have less impressive records than UT.

I view it as damned if UT makes it and damned if they don't. If they do, well, it's UT making the playoff. If they don't, it will increase the inertia towards an expanded playoff, which many of us don't want. Moreover, we'd have to hear about indefinitely.

[commadore]

The chances of UT getting in are very high. There will definitely be one, and perhaps two, spots for one loss teams. UT will probably have the best resume of any one loss team. Even if LSU upsets GA, it would have one loss, and that would be a walloping from UT. Michigan and Clemson will have less impressive records than UT.

I view it as damned if UT makes it and damned if they don't. If they do, well, it's UT making the playoff. If they don't, it will increase the inertia towards an expanded playoff, which many of us don't want. Moreover, we'd have to hear about indefinitely.

Yeah, but if they don't make it, it will be sweet to hear all the wailing and gnashing of teeth LOL.

[buffy]

They are gonna absolutely maul us. I'm calling 77-14.

[VandyManners]

I'm still banking on UT blowing it themselves by losing to USC. It seems in recent years that is the university's MO. Basketball team should go to a Final Four, gets bounced early. Baseball Team poised to win a National Championship last year, doesn't even make it to Omaha. I am hoping for a USC upset, or a Vandy miracle to crush all their hopes and dreams. That would make my year.

[VUaskew]

Or a 12-7, 14-7 nail-biter than causes certain QB's to lose the Heisman. Those were fun times.

What we need is a Botch Jones Champions of Life speech.

[commadore]

They are gonna absolutely maul us. I'm calling 77-14.

I think they shoot for 100.

[VUinFL]

The most interesting scenario is if LSU wins out and beats UGA in the SEC championship game - that would really throw things out of whack. Would a 2-loss LSU jump over a 1-loss UT since they beat Georgia but lost head-to-head? You couldn't justify letting UT in and dropping UGA in that scenario. The "right" thing might be to let all three of them in and throw in the OSU / Michigan winner but I don't think the optics of that would fly. Honestly the 4 SEC teams are probably the best 4 teams in the country.

USC got hosed by Arizona beating UCLA last week so now it's not as good of a win this weekend.

It seems like the current rankings reflect the fact that UNC (13) and Clemson (9) are done.

As it stands, it seems like it will stay as-is with UT taking the place of whomever loses OSU / Michigan. Seems the most likely at least.

[AuricGoldfinger]

The most interesting scenario is if LSU wins out and beats UGA in the SEC championship game - that would really throw things out of whack. Would a 2-loss LSU jump over a 1-loss UT since they beat Georgia but lost head-to-head? You couldn't justify letting UT in and dropping UGA in that scenario. The "right" thing might be to let all three of them in and throw in the OSU / Michigan winner but I don't think the optics of that would fly.

That, to me, really is the most interesting scenario of all. How much pressure would there be on the committee to limit the SEC to two teams?

My guess is, though, Georgia makes this a moot point and defeats LSU handily in Atlanta.

[Ndorefin]

If Michigan stays close to Ohio State, they have a case. If USC wins out, they should be in….they lost 1 game by 1 point to #10 ranked Utah. They would also get a boost by beating Notre Dame…..all the voters love Notre Dame! If you are a Power 5 conference winner, you should get in with the same record as a team that didn’t make the conference championship, barring extremely unusual circumstances!