Dec 2, 2019 - Sports

Alabama's loss sets up a final College Football Playoff scramble

Kendall Baker

Alabama's 48-45 loss to Auburn on Saturday knocked the Crimson Tide out of the playoff race — and made life a whole lot easier for the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Why it matters: Heading into conference championship weekend, four one-loss teams from three Power Five conferences — Georgia, Utah, Oklahoma and Baylor — have at least a shot of earning the final playoff berth behind undefeated LSU, Ohio State and Clemson.

Championships:

Pac-12: Utah vs. Oregon
Big 12: Baylor vs. Oklahoma
SEC: Georgia vs. LSU
Big Ten: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
ACC: Clemson vs. Virginia

Looking ahead: Ohio State and LSU are in no matter what happens this weekend, and Clemson is in as long as they beat Virginia. Assuming that happens...

If Georgia wins, they're in.
If Georgia loses and Oklahoma and Utah both win by similar margins, I'd give the slight edge to Utah (cue the hate mail from Sooners fans).
If Georgia loses, Baylor beats Oklahoma and Oregon beats Utah, Baylor could get in (though a two-loss Georgia team might still have a stronger case).

Elsewhere...

Fired: Missouri fired Barry Odom, Boston College fired Steve Addazio, USF fired Charlie Strong and Ole Miss fired Matt Luke.
Hired: Rutgers is bringing back former head coach Greg Schiano on an eight-year, $32 million contract.
Watch: Epic video of Heisman favorite Joe Burreaux.

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Alabama's loss sets up a final College Football Playoff scramble

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