UPDATE: The excitement surrounding college football intensifies as championship game matchups are finalized and controversy brews ahead of the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections. The latest developments are sending shockwaves through the rankings just hours before the critical decisions are made.
Chaos erupted in the ACC over the weekend when Cal defeated SMU, knocking the Mustangs out of the championship game and opening a door for Duke University to challenge Virginia next weekend. This shocking upset has massive implications—Duke, currently unranked with five losses, could prevent the ACC champion from making the playoff if they win. The stakes could not be higher, as the winner of the ACC championship traditionally earns an automatic CFP bid.
If Virginia triumphs, the 18th-ranked Cavaliers would secure their playoff spot, having already beaten Duke by 17 points earlier this season. However, should Duke take the title, the ACC could face a humiliating exit from the playoffs, as they might be ranked lower than champions from other conferences, including the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC.
The upcoming championship game matchups are just as compelling. The Big Ten title game will feature No. 1 Ohio State against No. 2 Indiana in a matchup devoid of stakes, as both teams have already clinched CFP berths. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s pivotal loss to Texas has positioned Georgia to face Alabama in the SEC showdown. Alabama, ranked No. 10, faces pressure to perform, having already suffered a significant loss to Florida State earlier this season.
In the Big 12, the clash between Texas Tech and BYU could determine how many teams from the conference make it to the playoff. The winner claims an automatic bid, while a loss for Texas Tech could complicate their playoff aspirations and impact at-large bids for teams like Miami and Notre Dame.
Adding to the drama, the selection committee will unveil its penultimate rankings on December 5, with the final rankings due on the morning of December 7. Controversy looms as scenarios emerge where Alabama could still make the CFP field even with a loss, while Texas Tech’s victory would likely secure its spot.
Eyes are also on the prestigious Heisman Trophy, with ballots due by 2 p.m. (Pacific) on December 9. The Heisman Trust is implementing a new voting procedure, delaying online voting until after conference championships, ensuring voters consider the latest performances.
The coaching carousel is spinning rapidly as major programs are already making moves. Virginia Tech, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Colorado State, and Oregon State have all made coaching changes, while others, like Florida State and Maryland, have opted for stability by extending contracts. As the dust settles on the regular season, expect a surge of announcements regarding coaching positions in the coming days.
With the playoff landscape shifting dramatically, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for one of the most thrilling weeks in college football history. Stay tuned for live updates as the championship games unfold and the final selections are revealed. This is a defining moment for teams, coaches, and players as they make their last push for glory.
