UPDATE: Major developments are unfolding in college football as the final weekend of the regular season leads into crucial playoff decisions. The stakes have never been higher with the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections and Heisman Trophy voting just around the corner.
ACC CHAOS: In a shocking turn of events, the ACC saw an unexpected upset as Cal defeated SMU, knocking the Mustangs out of the championship game. This opens the door for Duke University, a team with an unranked status and five losses, to potentially claim the conference title against Virginia next week. If Duke wins, it could mean a missed playoff spot for the ACC, as the CFP only guarantees automatic bids to the top-ranked conference champions. Virginia, ranked 18th, would secure the ACC’s playoff berth if victorious.
BIG TEN MATCHUP: Meanwhile, the Big Ten title clash between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana in Indianapolis has minimal implications for the CFP, as both teams have already clinched spots in the playoffs. The outcome will not affect their seeding, prompting speculation that teams might rest key players.
In contrast, the SEC championship features a pivotal showdown as Georgia faces Alabama in Atlanta. Alabama’s recent victory against Auburn keeps their playoff hopes alive, but they need a strong performance to avoid dropping in the rankings.
BIG 12 IMPLICATIONS: The Big 12 title game will see Texas Tech go head-to-head with BYU. The winner secures an automatic bid to the CFP, while the loser may face elimination from playoff contention. The stakes are high as Texas Tech, currently ranked 5th, could still claim an at-large spot even with a loss, complicating the playoff picture further.
CFP CONTROVERSY LOOMS: With the penultimate CFP rankings set to release on December 5, 2023, the selection committee is under scrutiny. Should Alabama maintain a playoff position despite a potential loss, it would ignite debate among fans and analysts alike. Currently, the projected playoff spots include three Big Ten teams, Alabama, Texas A&M, and the Big 12 champion, leaving fierce competition for the remaining spots.
As the Heisman Trophy voting deadline approaches on December 9, 2023, the race remains tight. Candidates include Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Julian Sayin of Ohio State, both competing in championship games that could sway votes. The online voting portal opens just days before the announcement, adding to the drama of the awards.
COACHING CAROUSEL IN FULL SWING: As the regular season concludes, the coaching market heats up with several schools making moves. Notable hires include James Franklin at Virginia Tech and Eric Morris at Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, programs like Penn State and LSU are still searching for new leadership, with decisions expected imminently.
With crucial games on the horizon and significant implications for the playoff landscape, fans and analysts alike are on high alert. The next few days will be pivotal in shaping the future of college football. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
