As we near the end of the regular college football season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape with many crucial matchups on the horizon. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, teams are jockeying for position and eyeing potential spots in the College Football Playoff. Realignment in the conferences has added complexity to the playoff scenarios, creating a web of tiebreakers and potential game-changing outcomes.
In the Big 12 conference, nine teams are still alive in the race, making it a headache to navigate the tiebreakers. Over in the Big Ten, Oregon has secured a spot, while Ohio State can secure a rematch with the Ducks by defeating Michigan. The ACC playoff hunt remains intriguing, with SMU already in and Miami aiming to secure a spot by beating Syracuse. Clemson’s path to the playoff includes a win over South Carolina and a Miami loss.
In the SEC, the matchup between Texas and Texas A&M has major implications, with the winner advancing to face Georgia. Boise State has clinched a spot in the Mountain West title game, but must win crucial upcoming games to solidify its playoff spot. Tulane is set to play Army in an American conference showdown, with the host still to be determined based on this week’s results.
Looking ahead to key matchups, Texas and Texas A&M will face off in a pivotal game with playoff implications. South Carolina’s matchup against Clemson could position the Gamecocks as contenders, while Clemson aims to secure a spot as the second team from the ACC. In the rivalry game between Arizona State and Arizona, a win for Arizona State would secure a spot in the conference championship game.
The playoff scenarios in various conferences are heating up, as teams battle for crucial wins to secure their spots in the postseason. With several top matchups on the slate, including Georgia Tech facing Georgia and Auburn taking on Alabama, the postseason picture is starting to come into focus. As teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, every game becomes a must-win to keep playoff hopes alive.