Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Washington in football playoff

It would likely require dropping below Louisville in the final College Football Playoff rankings. The undefeated defending national champions have been dominant. An Ohio State spokesperson adds that ESPN will be in the team meeting room when the Buckeyes’ post season destination is known.

With an outright conference title, a signature win over Ohio State in October and a nine-game winning streak has to mean the Nittany Lions are locks for a top-four ranking.

While Ohio State couldn’t achieve its first objective of winning the Big Ten, the ultimate goal is still on the table after the Buckeyes booked a spot in the third College Football Playoff. Top-seeded Alabama will play No. 4 Washington in the Peach Bowl.

Alabama has played Washington four times previously, twice in bowls and not since 1986.

“Sometimes you got to be careful what you wish for”, Washington coach Chris Petersen said on ESPN. “I didn’t hold that sign up”.

Meanwhile, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Washington’s Jake Browning and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook are playing in high-stakes games, with a chance to make lasting impression.

A Virginia Tech win will ensure Ohio State will make the playoff and could put a second Big Ten team in it as well.

With the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl out of the New Year’s Six mix by hosting CFP semifinals this year, the remaining major bowls will work with their conference arrangements first – unless their conference champion is pulled into the playoff.

The Playoff/bowl unveil special is a daunting fours long, beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

Penn State’s Mike Gesicki celebrates after defeating Wisconsin to win the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Indianapolis.

Both games are scheduled for December 31. The last time was after the 2013 season. It’s going to come down to turnovers like it has in every Big 10 championship game that has been played. Penn State lost to the Pittsburgh Panthers and MI during the 2016 regular season.

MI could end up at the Rose Bowl only if the Big Ten champion gets into the playoff and MI does not, which is an unlikely scenario. And still will be after it chooses Ohio State over Penn State.

“This is a big deal that we’re here”, Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst, who has done his best to stave off conversation about the Playoff, said on Friday. Instead, they’ll be at home watching all of the other conference championship games. Penn State will need to find creative ways to move the ball and keep the Badger defense on their heels all game. Right now, Florida State is ranked No. 12 in the country ahead of No. 13 Louisville, so it would earn the invitation.

Winners of the Fiesta and Peach Bowls will play for a national title on January 9. The Rose, Cotton and Sugar bowls are all January 2. Clemson beat Virginia Tech 42-35 in the ACC title game.