Week 12 of the college football season is here, and the stakes could not be any higher for some teams. While some teams like Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M appear to have their spots in the College Football Playoff locked up, most teams are not in such a good position. There are several teams that could qualify for the CFP if they have a strong finish, but could also stumble in the final weeks.
Here we will look at five teams that are on the border of qualifying for the College Football Playoff. Note: This will not include teams that are near locks to qualify, such as those listed above.
Top 5 Teams That Can Make a Final Push for the College Football Playoff, Starting in Week 12
Notre Dame
No. 9-ranked Notre Dame has an interesting case to qualify for the CFP this year. They lost their first two games of the season, but have gone on to win seven games in a row. As an independent team, the Fighting Irish can only qualify if they are picked by the selection committee. With a 7-2 record and wins over ranked opponents, Notre Dame could qualify.
However, it is not a guarantee, no at-large team qualified for last year’s CFP with more than two wins. So, the Fighting Irish will likely need to win their last three games to qualify.
Duke
Duke is in an interesting position as an unranked team. Despite that, it could qualify for the CFP. It is 5-4 overall, but 4-1 in the ACC. If some of the other top teams stumble in conference games, Duke could qualify for the ACC championship game. If that happens and they win, they could be a surprising addition to the College Football Playoff this year.
Utah
No. 13-ranked Utah still has a chance to qualify for the College Football Playoff. However, since it does not have any games left against ranked opponents, it will likely need to qualify by winning the Big 12. It has a chance to qualify, but will need at least two of Texas Tech, BYU, and Cincinnati to lose at least one conference game. Another loss and the Utes will be out of contention.
Texas
Many fans and analysts thought Texas was down and out this year. However, they have picked up some big wins in recent weeks, including those over No. 11-ranked Oklahoma and No. 14-ranked Vanderbilt. As a result, they have a chance to qualify for the CFP.
With games against No. 5-ranked Georgia and No. 3-ranked Texas A&M still on their schedule, the Longhorns will likely qualify if they can win both. However, since they already have two losses, they will need to be perfect if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Miami
Miami looked like a playoff lock early in the season, but losses to No. 20-ranked Louisville and SMU in recent weeks have seriously hindered its playoff hopes. However, the Hurricanes are still the No. 15-ranked team in the nation and have a chance to make the ACC championship game. They will need some help from the teams above them, but if they can win their final three games, they will have a chance.
Read More:
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