Washington State Football: Road to the College Football Playoff
By Ed Stein
In the playoff now
#1 Alabama
Remaining Games: vs. Mississippi State, vs. Citadel, vs. Auburn, SEC Championship vs. Georgia.
Thoughts: The Crimson Tide would have to lose twice to miss the playoff, it’s not happening. If they lose once, it better not be in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game to Georgia, because it would put two SEC teams in the final four. At that point, Washington State would be squeezed out.
#2 Clemson
Remaining Games: at Boston College, vs. Duke, vs. South Carolina, ACC Championship Game.
Thoughts: As long as Clemson wins, they are in. The Tigers really don’t have any potential speed bumps on their remaining slate other than Boston College this week. As long as Clemson doesn’t lose in the ACC Championship game, they would still get into the playoff. For Washington State to jump the Tigers in the poll, Clemson would have to lose twice.
#3 Notre Dame
Remaining Games: vs Florida State, vs Syracuse, at USC.
Thoughts: Notre Dame is a wild card in the playoff picture because they are an independent. If they win out, they are in. The hard part is that they will have to succeed without their quarterback Ian Book for at least this week against Florida State. It would be hard for WSU to jump a one-loss Fighting Irish team, due to the Golden Domers strength of schedule.
#4 Michigan
Remaining Games: at Rutgers, vs Indiana, at Ohio State, Big 10 Championship Game?
Thoughts: It’s hard to imagine a four-team playoff without a one-loss Big 10 champion. A two-loss or more conference champion is a different story. Another defeat knocks Michigan out of title contention. Best case for WSU is for the Wolverines to lose to Rutgers or Indiana in the regular season or a loss in the championship game.