College Football Playoff Contenders 11/17

The bolded and italicized numbers in the W REC are teams that have wins over opponents with a combined winning record. The Cardinal loss may diminish the importance of the Golden Domers’ season-ending contest at Stanford. Notre Dame (9-1) 5. All five teams are 10-0.

Alabama is still sitting pretty in second spot.

Then-No. 1 Alabama lost to Auburn two years ago in one of the most dramatic endings in college football history, and while this year’s Tigers team is a far cry from the 2013 team, rivalry games often bring out the best in both sides. As Boston College sets to play Notre Dame, it ranks No. 1 in total defense (236.5 yards against) and No. 128 (out of 128) in total offense (276.6 yards).

Navy has gone from unranked to No. 20 to No. 16. Why?

Then Oklahoma travels to Oklahoma State in the season finale, giving both teams a chance at high-profile wins. While the Tide rank at least third in various strength of schedule and performance metrics, the Ole Miss loss has created something of a glass ceiling against moving past an undefeated and talented Clemson.

TCU fell three more spots after its close win against Kansas.

“Our team has a vision, and we have a mission we want to accomplish, and we see it”, Irish Captain and Center Nick Martin says.

College football – the fans (diehard and casual), the advertisers (money) and yes, the committee (decision-makers) – knows Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma.

Last week’s loss to OR will likely keep Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan and coach David Shaw out of the playoffs this year.

Florida is eighth, MI State, which plays Ohio State on Saturday, is ninth and Baylor dropped to No. 10 after losing for the first time. Oklahoma State struggled against Iowa State in Ames while the Hawkeyes won by two touchdowns in Ames. The game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in a couple of weeks could decide both of their fates. They are one of just six remaining undefeated teams.

Who they’ll be rooting for this week: Oklahoma and Boston College. If that happens, will the Sooners get dinged a bit by two of its three best wins coming against opponents whose starting QB’s were injured? Alabama; 3. Ohio State; 4. If these seven teams win out, they’re locks for the College Football Playoff – no question.

But if the Gators lose to Florida State, they might not even be in the top 11 heading into the SEC Championship Game depending on how bad that loss is.

Oklahoma scored the weekend’s biggest win with a 10-point road triumph at Baylor.

Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, U.S.; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) celebrates a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium.

Right now Notre Dame remains solidly in.

But Stanford’s still relatively high at No. 11, and the schedule provides a clear Playoff path. David Shaw’s squad plays 6-4 Cal at home, and the committee looks favorably on wins against teams with. Next week’s poll will be critical for the Irish.

What do you do when going undefeated just isn’t good enough?

The Big 12 is on the outside looking in, with work to do, but opportunities remain for all three contenders.

The committee’s final rankings, to be released December 6 after the regular season and conference championship games are complete, will establish the composition of the four-team playoff. It’s the game of the week (and maybe the season for the Big Ten).

They need to pick the Sooners.

Notre Dame would have a couple of strong arguments to make if it comes down to that.