Most Likely College Football Playoff Scenarios Entering Week 14

Michigan
Big Ten Title Game

Ohio State should have no problem against Michigan, but it is a rivalry game. A really big rivalry game. The Buckeyes will be tested in the Big Ten title game, but they have been on a roll since Sept. 6 (their last and only loss), and need to make a big statement to make the playoff.

Final Verdict: Doesn’t Make Playoff

Texas
Iowa State

TCU just needs to play its game right now. The Horned Frogs are a top team in college football. Texas and Iowa State simply are not. With that in mind, TCU may need a team or two to lose in front of it.

Final Verdict: Doesn’t Make Playoff

Texas Tech
Kansas State

Baylor also needs some teams to lose, but closing out the regular season by knocking off Kansas State could boost it up a spot. Beating Texas Tech likely won’t help, but is clearly a must-win game regardless. I still think Baylor finds a way to get in.

Final Verdict: Makes Playoff

Ole Miss

Mississippi State would more than likely make the playoff if the season ended today, but what happens when it doesn’t win its conference? How will the committee look at that one when teams like Baylor/TCU and Ohio State will more than likely win their conferences?

Final Verdict: Doesn’t Make Playoff

Oregon State
Pac-12 Title

Oregon really should have no problem against Oregon State, but the same thing cannot be said about the Pac-12 title game, where the Ducks will play a team like UCLA. Regardless, if Oregon wins the conference title, it should be in the playoff. Pretty simple.

Final Verdict: Makes Playoff

Auburn
SEC Title

If Alabama wins its last two games, which I am predicting, it will probably be the No. 1 team heading into bowl season, as it should be. In no way can the Crimson Tide look past their last two opponents, though.

Final Verdict: Makes Playoff

Florida
Georgia Tech

Unlike all of the other College Football Playoff contenders, Florida State is undefeated, which is a huge plus. Simply put, the committee is not going to leave the Seminoles out of the playoff if it manages to go undefeated. The same thing cannot be said about Marshall.

Final Verdict: Makes Playoff

So much could still happen now until the end of the season. As it stands, Florida State, Alabama, Oregon and Baylor all have a great shot at making the playoff. However, so do the other teams on this list. If things get really crazy, a two-loss team could sneak in, but I would not count on that one.