Will there be any drama on the field?
That is the question among the best teams with two weeks left until the College Football Playoff selection show. While COVID-19 continues to impact the weekly schedule, the top four has so far remained upset proof.
No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 3 Clemson and No. 4 Ohio State are going to be difficult to knock off the College Football Playoff block. There were no major shakeups this weekend, and eight teams still remain in the championship mix. The third set of College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled Tuesday:
| Rankings | Date |
| Third | Tuesday, Dec. 8 |
| Fourth | Tuesday, Dec. 15 |
| Final | Sunday, Dec. 20 |
With that in mind, Sporting News breaks down the College Football Playoff picture with four teams in, four teams out and two teams to watch heading into the second week of December:
Four In
1. Alabama (9-0)
Remaining schedule: at Arkansas, vs. Florida*
The Crimson Tide launched a three-pronged Heisman Trophy campaign in a 55-17 blowout against LSU. Is it Mac Jones, who finished 20 of 28 passing for 385 yards and four TDs? Running back Najee Harris added 145 rushing yards and three TDs. It was DeVonta Smith, however, who erupted for 231 receiving yards and three TDs, including 219 yards in a 45-point first half. Alabama could probably lose the SEC championship game and still get in the Playoff, but Nick Saban won't hear about that. The Crimson Tide closes the regular season at Arkansas.
2. Notre Dame (10-0)
Remaining schedule: vs. Clemson*
Notre Dame capped the ACC regular season with a 45-21 victory against Syracuse. The Irish started out slow before hitting their stride with a 21-point second quarter. Notre Dame had two turnovers, but the Orange doubled that total with four turnovers. Ian Book passed for 285 passing yards, rushed for 53 yards and totaled five TDs. Kyren Williams (112 yards) and Chris Tyree (109 yards, TD) powered the running game. Now, the Irish get a week to prepare for the ACC championship game and the rematch with Clemson. Notre Dame can get in with a loss, but let the debate begin on what that can look like.
3. Ohio State (5-0)
Remaining schedule: vs. Michigan, TBD
We have the Buckeyes in this spot, which they could bump up to simply by staying unbeaten in Big Ten play. Ohio State was short 23 players against Michigan State and still won 52-12. Justin Fields totaled 303 yards (199 pass, 104 rush) and four total TDs in a performance that should vault him back into the Heisman Trophy discussion. The Buckeyes piled up 322 rushing yards and should have no trouble preparing for rival Michigan. Ohio State has won the last three meetings and hasn’t lost to the Wolverines at home since 2000.
4. Clemson (9-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Notre Dame*
The Tigers broke open a one-score game against Virginia Tech in the second half for a 45-10 victory that clinched a sixth straigtht appearance in the ACC championship game. Trevor Lawrence passed for 195 yards and a TD and rushed for a pair of TDs, and the defense took advantage of two Hokies' turnovers in the third quarter. The Tigers get a rematch with Notre Dame; with the only catch being Clemson is likely out of the Playoff mix with a loss. That should give coach Dabo Swinney more than enough to motivate the Tigers during the bye week.
Four out
5. Florida (8-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. LSU, vs. Alabama*
Florida clinched the SEC East with a 31-19 victory against rival Tennessee. Kyle Trask piled on more statistics with 433 yards and four TDs, and Kyle Pitts had his second 100-yard game of the season. Florida allowed a pair of cosmetic TDs in the fourth quarter to the Vols, but it wasn't that close. The Gators close the regular season with LSU, but all the playoff hopes are geared toward another SEC championship matchup with Alabama. The schools have split eight meetings on that stage.
6. Cincinnati (8-0)
Remaining schedule: at Tulsa, vs. Tulsa*
The Bearcats were off for the second straight week, and out-of-sight likely will keep them in the No. 7 spot in the next CFP rankings. Should Cincinnati be ranked ahead of Texas A&M based on the dreaded "eye test?" That’s a debate worth having as the Bearcats – which brings a balanced offense and at top-10 defense to the field – continue their march through the American Athletic Conference. Tulsa is another ranked team to add to the resume.
7. Texas A&M (7-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Ole Miss, at Tennessee
The Aggies won't play in the SEC championship game, but is the back door to the College Football Playoff still open? Texas A&M trailed Auburn entering the fourth quarter before ripping off 17 points in a 31-20 victory. Kellen Mond played efficient with 196 yards and two TDs. Isaiah Spiller enjoyed his third straight 100-yard games with 120 rushing yards. Texas A&M has Ole Miss and Tennessee left on the schedule, and style points count.
8. Coastal Carolina (10-0)
Remaininig schedule: at Troy, vs. Louisiana*
We could Miami here, but the Hurricanes have no visible playoff path. The Chanticleers are one of two 10-0 teams in the FBS, and they deserve a top-10 ranking after knocking off unbeaten BYU in thrilling 22-17 fashion. Coastal Carolina has two wins against ranked opponents, and can add a third by knocking off Louisiana in the Sun Belt championship. The four-team playoff path is too complicated, but who had the Chanticleers in a New Year's Day Six bowl?
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December 06, 2020 at 11:44AM
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College Football Playoff Picture after Week 14: Four in and four out ahead of third rankings - Sporting News
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