The Timing of Big Games
For some reason, it seems like all of the huge matchups are taking place at the end of the year. As mentioned before Michigan State and Michigan both still have to play Ohio State. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma are likely going to face off twice. Oregon has to play Utah. The list goes on and on.
Had all of these matchups taken place earlier in the season, their impact may be minimal. However, if Michigan were to lose to Penn State and Ohio State, suddenly the Wolverines will have lost three of their final five games. It’s hard to see the CFP Committee keeping a team in a NY6 discussion losing 60% of their final five games.
That is how the Committee works. They seem to love the idea of “What have you done lately?” Losing two of three games, won’t bode well.
While all teams are always in danger of losing a game any week, there are a few teams who are on very high alert. Those teams are:
Alabama: Auburn, Arkansas and Georgia
Oregon: Utah, Wash State, Oregon State, Utah
Ohio State: Michigan, Michigan State
Michigan: Penn State, Ohio State
Michigan State: Penn State, Ohio State
Oklahoma: Baylor, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State: Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Baylor: Oklahoma
Notre Dame: Virginia, at Stanford
Again, if some of these teams lost earlier in the season, they may still be ranked in the Top 12. But if you really think that No. 8 Oklahoma will still be ranked in the Top 12 if they lose to Baylor and Iowa State and miss out of the Big 12 Championship you’re crazy.