What a day in CFB - really resets the CFP chess board....

[Midnighter2]

Clemson's second loss is huge - they've made the playoff every year since it's inception and no two-loss team has ever made it. Certainly a chance an exception is made, but seems unlikely. The other 'best' team in the ACC, UNC, also suffered their second loss. So, the only undefeated ACC team left is Wake Forest - unlikely that will last. So, this likely means a one loss SEC team (probably the runner up to the SEC Championship game - Georgia or Alabama) is in. B1G is looking good right now with PSU, Iowa, and Michigan still undefeated, and OSU could win the B1G and make the playoff if they win out, but that will sort itself out. Oklahoma doesn't look great and Oregon looks like the only contender from the Pac 12 (UCLA playing well too though). Can't remember a season where a major player like Clemson is out this early.

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

 

[SoParkLion]

When we beat tOSU and UM, none of this matters.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

Who did look impressive yesterday? Or even, who has looked impressive in all four games thus far? This year is totally up for grabs. Our QB seems like he's hitting his stride and we have a good defense - figure out the run game, or even make it mediocre, and I like our chances of making a run this year.

 

[PSUEngineer89]

If our one loss is to OSU, then OSU is probably going to the CFP and we aren't.

If our one loss is to someone else, and we beat OSU, we're probably going to the CFP.

 

[AWS1022]

Clemson's second loss is huge - they've made the playoff every year since it's inception and no two-loss team has ever made it. Certainly a chance an exception is made, but seems unlikely. The other 'best' team in the ACC, UNC, also suffered their second loss. So, the only undefeated ACC team left is Wake Forest - unlikely that will last. So, this likely means a one loss SEC team (probably the runner up to the SEC Championship game - Georgia or Alabama) is in. B1G is looking good right now with PSU, Iowa, and Michigan still undefeated, and OSU could win the B1G and make the playoff if they win out, but that will sort itself out. Oklahoma doesn't look great and Oregon looks like the only contender from the Pac 12 (UCLA playing well too though). Can't remember a season where a major player like Clemson is out this early.

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

I actually could see two SEC teams and two Big teams in the playoffs. If there are two one loss teams in each conference, it could happen. No way Oklahoma wins out. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if multiple teams have two losses this year (other than Bama) and Clemson weasels their way back in.

 

[okinburg1]

When we beat tOSU and UM, none of this matters.

Gotta beat Iowa first
In Kinnick

 

[Wallace Breen]

Gotta beat Iowa first
In Kinnick

And Michigan, Michigan State and Maryland. Right now, I do not see a lot of difference between us and the Michigan schools. Maryland has the QB play and enough talent to win against anyone in the Big Ten on any given Saturday. Furthermore, ESPN is already setting the table, if a Big Ten or Pac-12 team is going to get to the playoffs, they must be undefeated. If not, they will put in a one or even two loss SEC team in over them. Bank it.

 

[Uh Clem]

Clemson's two losses are similar to what happened to us in 2016. We lost early to Pitt and Michigan and then we caught fire. We even beat Ohio State, won the B1G and should have been in the playoffs.

Clemson lost a close game to Georgia and crapped the bed against NC State. They could also go undefeated the rest of the season against pretty low caliber competition. Finally, they are the golden-haired child of their conference while we had to win the conference, and then beat Ohio State and Jim Delaney in an off-the-field contest with the deck stacked against us.

It is conceivable they get into the playoffs. It has been a weird season so far, with many named teams suffering losses to preseason underdogs. If Clemson can solve their QB problem, they can win out.

 

[AWS1022]

Clemson's two losses are similar to what happened to us in 2016. We lost early to Pitt and Michigan and then we caught fire. We even beat Ohio State, won the B1G and should have been in the playoffs.

Clemson lost a close game to Georgia and crapped the bed against NC State. They could also go undefeated the rest of the season against pretty low caliber competition. Finally, they are the golden-haired child of their conference while we had to win the conference, and then beat Ohio State and Jim Delaney in an off-the-field contest with the deck stacked against us.

It is conceivable they get into the playoffs. It has been a weird season so far, with many named teams suffering losses to preseason underdogs. If Clemson can solve their QB problem, they can win out.

The problem is where is their signature win?

 

[wolve1972]

B1G is looking good right now with PSU, Iowa, and Michigan still undefeated, and OSU could win the B1G and make the playoff if they win out, but that will sort itself out.

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

The balance this year - with OSU still trying to figure things out - could really hurt the eventual B1G champion trying to get into the playoffs. I'll be surprised if any B1G team goes undefeated in the conference - more likely 1 or even 2 losses. And that 2nd loss is the playoff kiss of death. My prediction: look for Schiano and Rutgers to screw someone's season up. That's a decent football team.

 

[CDLionFL]

Gotta beat Indiana first
In Beaver

Fixed it for ya.

 

[okinburg1]

Fixed it for ya.

Touche

 

[ftlpsu]

I would trade an Iowa loss for an OSU win and then we win the Big vs. Iowa. and would be in the CFB playoff.

And if we make the CFB playoff….we have taken the next step don’t care if we win or lose..huge first step And we will be back with great consistency and vigor!

 

[bdgan]

Clemson's second loss is huge - they've made the playoff every year since it's inception and no two-loss team has ever made it. Certainly a chance an exception is made, but seems unlikely. The other 'best' team in the ACC, UNC, also suffered their second loss. So, the only undefeated ACC team left is Wake Forest - unlikely that will last. So, this likely means a one loss SEC team (probably the runner up to the SEC Championship game - Georgia or Alabama) is in. B1G is looking good right now with PSU, Iowa, and Michigan still undefeated, and OSU could win the B1G and make the playoff if they win out, but that will sort itself out. Oklahoma doesn't look great and Oregon looks like the only contender from the Pac 12 (UCLA playing well too though). Can't remember a season where a major player like Clemson is out this early.

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

Alabama, Georgia, and Florida look like the best teams to me. I or 2 of those teams will make the playoffs.

The BiG winner will probably get a spot (OSU, PSU, UM, MSU, or IA).

Other frontrunners are Oklahoma and Oregon.

Notre Dame even has a chance. They wouldn't deserve it but look at their schedule. The toughest remaining game is Cincinnati. Later on they play North Carolina.

 

[Beachwineguy]

Gotta beat Iowa first
In Kinnick

It’s been over a decade since we’ve lost in Kinnick.

 

[MacNit07]

Clemson's two losses are similar to what happened to us in 2016. We lost early to Pitt and Michigan and then we caught fire. We even beat Ohio State, won the B1G and should have been in the playoffs.

Clemson lost a close game to Georgia and crapped the bed against NC State. They could also go undefeated the rest of the season against pretty low caliber competition. Finally, they are the golden-haired child of their conference while we had to win the conference, and then beat Ohio State and Jim Delaney in an off-the-field contest with the deck stacked against us.

It is conceivable they get into the playoffs. It has been a weird season so far, with many named teams suffering losses to preseason underdogs. If Clemson can solve their QB problem, they can win out.

Clemson has zero on offense. If they were in Big10 East this year, they would ~ .500

 

[Beachwineguy]

Clemson has zero on offense. If they were in Big10 East this year, they would ~ .500

Don’t worry, they’re still fifth in ESPN’s FPI rankings.

 

[lazydave841]

Don’t worry, they’re still fifth in ESPN’s FPI rankings.

Those rankings are as useful as our old depth chart.

 

[1AA]

Florida beats Georgia and then beats Alabama in the sec championship? Three one lose sec teams. Could be the year that more than one team has great argument for playoff. Possibly three or more

 

[ouirpsu]

Clemson's two losses are similar to what happened to us in 2016. We lost early to Pitt and Michigan and then we caught fire. We even beat Ohio State, won the B1G and should have been in the playoffs.

Clemson lost a close game to Georgia and crapped the bed against NC State. They could also go undefeated the rest of the season against pretty low caliber competition. Finally, they are the golden-haired child of their conference while we had to win the conference, and then beat Ohio State and Jim Delaney in an off-the-field contest with the deck stacked against us.

It is conceivable they get into the playoffs. It has been a weird season so far, with many named teams suffering losses to preseason underdogs. If Clemson can solve their QB problem, they can win out.

The QB isn’t the problem with Clemson. They just don’t have the level of overall talent they’ve had on either side of the ball over the past decade, and it shows.

 

[AWS1022]

The QB isn’t the problem with Clemson. They just don’t have the level of overall talent they’ve had on either side of the ball over the past decade, and it shows.

Their steroid supplier must have quit.

 

[dailybuck777]

The balance this year - with OSU still trying to figure things out - could really hurt the eventual B1G champion trying to get into the playoffs. I'll be surprised if any B1G team goes undefeated in the conference - more likely 1 or even 2 losses. And that 2nd loss is the playoff kiss of death. My prediction: look for Schiano and Rutgers to screw someone's season up. That's a decent football team.

Interesting thing about Schiano is that in his last year at OSU the defense was horrible even though it had good players, but he has done a great job at Rutgers. Last year Rutgers really gave Ohio State a tussle.

 

[troutrus]

…….. The other 'best' team in the ACC, UNC, also suffered their second loss. So, the only undefeated ACC team left is Wake Forest - ……….

As someone who has been stuck in North Carolina for too many years, I appreciate your joke about UNC. Dontcha love it. 😂
And please don’t forget Boston College of the ACC, as they too are currently undefeated.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Could be quite the beauty pageant when invite time comes. This might end up being the biggest force ensuring expanded playoffs next year. If the media darlings of Clemson, Suckeyes, or ND get left out they will fight hard for an expansion. Only question will be eight or twelve. And with the SEC power grab this summer, hope it is only eight.

 

[SoParkLion]

The problem is where is their signature win?

Exactly, being the only quality team in the conference is nice, until you lose a non-conf game and a conference game; then you're just stacking points on bad teams, which rightfully doesn't get you far in the polls.

 

[Jerry]

Clemson's second loss is huge - they've made the playoff every year since it's inception and no two-loss team has ever made it. Certainly a chance an exception is made, but seems unlikely. The other 'best' team in the ACC, UNC, also suffered their second loss. So, the only undefeated ACC team left is Wake Forest - unlikely that will last. So, this likely means a one loss SEC team (probably the runner up to the SEC Championship game - Georgia or Alabama) is in. B1G is looking good right now with PSU, Iowa, and Michigan still undefeated, and OSU could win the B1G and make the playoff if they win out, but that will sort itself out. Oklahoma doesn't look great and Oregon looks like the only contender from the Pac 12 (UCLA playing well too though). Can't remember a season where a major player like Clemson is out this early.

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

A lot would depend on whether Ohio State were unbeaten, but the only certainty in that scenario is that PSU would be SOL...if you can call an NY6 bid SOL.

An unbeaten Oklahoma and Oregon wouldn't be left out. No way. Neither would an unbeaten Ohio State...except if Notre Dame were also unbeaten in which case the Irish might or might not get the nod over the Buckeyes.

However, if there were 3 unbeatens among the teams mentioned above, and the 4th choice were either a 1-loss Buckeyes or a Bulldog team whose only loss was to Alabama in a close game, then the SEC propaganda machine would shift into high gear, and Georgia would get the nod...despite Herbie's tears.

But I think we're getting way ahead of ourselves.

 

[ryoder1]

PSU's only shot for the playoff is to be undefeated. O$U will not lose again unless we beat them. If we lose to them there is no way we get in with one loss and not winning our division. Same bad movie plays again.

 

[TheGLOV]

When we beat tOSU and UM, none of this matters.

As of now, MSU might be a problem as well.

 

[wolve1972]

As of now, MSU might be a problem as well.

For that matter, the whole damn B1G East

 

[IANit]

Gotta beat Iowa first
In Kinnick

Gotta beat Indiana first.

 

[Art]

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

A lot would depend on whether Ohio State were unbeaten, but the only certainty in that scenario is that PSU would be SOL...if you can call an NY6 bid SOL.

An unbeaten Oklahoma and Oregon wouldn't be left out. No way. Neither would an unbeaten Ohio State...except if Notre Dame were also unbeaten in which case the Irish might or might not get the nod over the Buckeyes.

However, if there were 3 unbeatens among the teams mentioned above, and the 4th choice were either a 1-loss Buckeyes or a Bulldog team whose only loss was to Alabama in a close game, then the SEC propaganda machine would shift into high gear, and Georgia would get the nod...despite Herbie's tears.

But I think we're getting way ahead of ourselves.

Well, there is one part of your post that is indisputable.

 

[wolve1972]

What happens if OSU wins the B1G, PSU's only loss is to OSU, and Georgia's only loss is to Bama? I am also assuming Oklahoma and Oregon win out but no guarantees. Could get messy. Bust out those eye tests folks!!

A lot would depend on whether Ohio State were unbeaten, but the only certainty in that scenario is that PSU would be SOL...if you can call an NY6 bid SOL.

An unbeaten Oklahoma and Oregon wouldn't be left out. No way. Neither would an unbeaten Ohio State...except if Notre Dame were also unbeaten in which case the Irish might or might not get the nod over the Buckeyes.

However, if there were 3 unbeatens among the teams mentioned above, and the 4th choice were either a 1-loss Buckeyes or a Bulldog team whose only loss was to Alabama in a close game, then the SEC propaganda machine would shift into high gear, and Georgia would get the nod...despite Herbie's tears.

But I think we're getting way ahead of ourselves.

The key is not to have a 2nd loss and you still have a shot. Clemson is toast

 

[BUFFALO LION]

PSU's only shot for the playoff is to be undefeated. O$U will not lose again unless we beat them. If we lose to them there is no way we get in with one loss and not winning our division. Same bad movie plays again.

Yep. Their loss to Oregon screwed us. We have to win out or we are toast. Ohio State’s loss to Oregon left us no room now for error. Even winning out may put us behind Notre Dame if they go undefeated. They looked far better against Wisconsin than we did.

 

[lazydave841]

Yep. Their loss to Oregon screwed us. We have to win out or we are toast. Ohio State’s loss to Oregon left us no room now for error. Even winning out may put us behind Notre Dame if they go undefeated. They looked far better against Wisconsin than we did.

Completely disagree. Beating OSU is the single most important data point. The only part of their record that can screw us is in conference games. They don't lose many. As '16 proved, if you beat them you can represent our side in the CCG. And even that required a Kinnick night game special plus a Buckeye victory (aka we didn't control our own destiny).

As many have said, with the potential chaos that is coming, we can possibly afford one loss.

It just CANNOT be to OSU.

Their Oregon loss means nothing. If Oregon goes undefeated, they are in. No doubt about it. And why shouldn't they be? Notre Dame the same way. While it probably means getting slaughtered by Bama in the playoff, hey, who hasn't gotten slaughtered by Saban as of late?

 

[ouirpsu]

As someone who has been stuck in North Carolina for too many years, I appreciate your joke about UNC. Dontcha love it. 😂
And please don’t forget Boston College of the ACC, as they too are currently undefeated.

And, even though they have a bad early loss, don’t sleep on the Blue Devils.

 

[The Spin Meister]

It’s entirely possible there are five undefeated at season end. Us, ‘bama/Georgia, ND, Ok, and Oregon. Now that would be an amazing turn of events. Would love to see it!

 

[BUFFALO LION]

Completely disagree. Beating OSU is the single most important data point. The only part of their record that can screw us is in conference games. They don't lose many. As '16 proved, if you beat them you can represent our side in the CCG. And even that required a Kinnick night game special plus a Buckeye victory (aka we didn't control our own destiny).

As many have said, with the potential chaos that is coming, we can possibly afford one loss.

It just CANNOT be to OSU.

Their Oregon loss means nothing. If Oregon goes undefeated, they are in. No doubt about it. And why shouldn't they be? Notre Dame the same way. While it probably means getting slaughtered by Bama in the playoff, hey, who hasn't gotten slaughtered by Saban as of late?

You just said “if Oregon goes undefeated they are in. Notre Dame the same way.”

Sounds like we both agree with that. So where does that leave us if we win out? Because Georgia and Alabama have a guaranteed spot above both of Oregon and Notre Dame if they win out and meet in the SEC Championship Game.

We control our own destiny with Ohio State. We don’t with Oregon or Notre Dame. We had to rely on Ohio State and Wisconsin to do that for us, and they both royally f-cked up.

Both Oregon and Notre Dame have relative cake walks to an undefeated season now. Our favorite teams here on out will be Penn State, and anyone who plays Oregon and Notre Dame.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

It’s entirely possible there are five undefeated at season end. Us, ‘bama/Georgia, ND, Ok, and Oregon. Now that would be an amazing turn of events. Would love to see it!

Not me. We’ve been down that road before, and it’s usually not pretty.

 

[psuro]

It’s entirely possible there are five undefeated at season end. Us, ‘bama/Georgia, ND, Ok, and Oregon. Now that would be an amazing turn of events. Would love to see it!

Then Bama and Georgia would play for the SEC Championship and one would have a loss. Given their current ranking, that may not mean much. At that point, there will have to be an eye test scenario - and I think if PSU runs the gauntlet (including the BIGCG), and with the (current) rankings/records of teams in the BIG that are on the PSU schedule, it would be very difficult for the CFP Committee not to have PSU in the top 2, let alone the top 4.

 

[lazydave841]

Both Oregon and Notre Dame have relative cake walks to an undefeated season now. Our favorite teams here on out will be Penn State, and anyone who plays Oregon and Notre Dame.

Are you thinking about Penn State as finishing undefeated or with 1 loss?

If we lose once, it's our fault. We've given up the edge.

If we win out, we are in no questions asked. We're #4 right now. We wouldn't drop by winning out our remaining schedule.