UPDATE: The college football landscape is shifting rapidly as the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection approaches. With championship games on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. Just moments ago, the ACC faced a shocking upset that could dramatically impact the playoff picture.
In a stunning turn of events, Duke University has an unexpected opportunity to clinch the ACC title after California defeated SMU, knocking the Mustangs out of contention. This opens a path for Duke, a team with five losses and currently unranked, to potentially claim the championship. Should Duke prevail against Virginia next weekend, the ACC champion risks missing a playoff berth entirely, creating a chaotic scenario that could see a Group of Five team take a coveted spot instead.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten championship game between Ohio State and Indiana holds little consequence as both teams have secured CFP bids. With no material stakes, coaches may opt to rest key players, further diminishing the game’s significance.
The SEC showdown sees Georgia facing Alabama in a must-watch contest. Alabama, ranked No. 10, must avoid a decisive loss to stay in the playoff race after a narrow 27-20 win against Auburn. The outcome could greatly influence the committee’s decisions, especially since Alabama previously defeated Georgia this season.
The Big 12 clash between Texas Tech and BYU could also reshape the playoff landscape. The winner claims an automatic bid, but if Texas Tech, ranked No. 5, loses, they may still secure an at-large berth, complicating matters for teams like Miami and Notre Dame.
As the selection committee prepares to unveil its penultimate rankings on December 5, 2023, controversy looms large. If Alabama enters the CFP despite a loss and Texas Tech wins, it could lead to a fierce debate over the final playoff spots. With Notre Dame and Miami vying for at-large bids, a head-to-head matchup victory from earlier this season gives Miami a potential edge, but the committee has frequently favored Notre Dame’s brand power.
On the Heisman front, ballots are due by 2 p.m. (Pacific) on December 9, 2023, just after bowl pairings are announced. The Heisman Trust has implemented a change, delaying online voting until Saturday to ensure that the outcomes of championship games are considered. Expected candidates include Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Julian Sayin from Ohio State, both of whom will compete in the same game.
As the coaching carousel revs up, several programs have already made significant moves. Virginia Tech hired James Franklin, while others like Stanford and Oklahoma State have also filled their vacancies. Meanwhile, prominent schools like Florida and Auburn are still searching for head coaches, meaning more changes are imminent.
With the regular season concluded, expect rapid developments in coaching hires and playoff implications. The next few days will be crucial as teams gear up for championship games and the final playoff selections are made. Stay tuned for updates as this dynamic situation unfolds!
