ESPN: Nov games that will affect the CFB Playoff

[tlwwake]

Meet me halfway?

Good. We're here. Welcome to the midpoint of the season, where the best is yet to come. The College Football Playoff selection committee will reveal its first of six weekly rankings Nov. 3, and the final Top 25 will be revealed on ESPN on Dec. 6. There are plenty of crucial games remaining that will shape the committee's thoughts, but this narrows it down to 10 of the most important, listed in chronological order:

Florida State at Clemson, Nov. 7

This one has make-or-break written all over it. The winner of this game has gone to the past four ACC championship games, and the two programs have combined to represent the Atlantic Division in seven of the league's 10 title games, including six straight. Consider it a playoff elimination game.

LSU at Alabama, Nov. 7

LSU is the only undefeated team remaining in the SEC and has a one-game lead in the conference standings, but ESPN's Football Power Index projects the Tigers to have the toughest remaining schedule, with games at Alabama and Ole Miss. Alabama has looked the part of a playoff contender since its loss to Ole Miss, making this game one that is likely to determine the SEC West division.

Michigan State at Ohio State, Nov. 21

The Big Ten is right back where it started, with Michigan on the outside looking in and the league's two most recent heavyweights playing for a spot in the title game. The winner of this game should be a favorite for a spot in the top four.

Cal at Stanford, Nov. 21

This could determine the winner in the Pac-12 North, but it's also giving Cal some credit in assuming the Golden Bears can beat UCLA and USC the next two weeks. ESPN's Football Power Index favors Stanford to win each remaining game by at least 60 percent.

Memphis at Temple, Nov. 21

This is arguably the most important game for the Group of 5, as the highest-ranked conference champion is guaranteed a spot in a New Year's Six Bowl. The two best teams in the American both have victories over Power 5 opponents to boost their résumés, and both are undefeated, but in each other's way.

Baylor at TCU, Nov. 27

The Bears' schedule is backloaded, but Baylor needs TCU to still be undefeated, which isn't a guarantee considering the comeback efforts the Frogs have needed. According to ESPN's FPI, Baylor has the best chance of any Power 5 team to enter bowl season unbeaten. Baylor's last game is versus Texas, so this will be its final opportunity to impress the selection committee against a ranked opponent.

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State, Nov. 28

The jury is still out on both of these teams' playoff hopes, but if they survive the second half of the season, get ready for Bedlam. If the Sooners win out, could the selection committee forgive the loss to Texas? ESPN's FPI isn't sold on the Cowboys, giving them less than a 31 percent chance to beat TCU and Baylor.

Ohio State at Michigan, Nov. 28

If the Buckeyes beat Michigan State (see above), this one gets even bigger because a Michigan victory would set up a three-way tie that gets all kinds of confusing. Bottom line is that Michigan is good enough to derail Ohio State's playoff hopes, especially at home, and this will be Ohio State's last hurdle to the title game.

Notre Dame at Stanford, Nov. 28

The one-loss Irish have to win out to be considered for the playoff, and Stanford is the only opponent remaining on their schedule that FPI does not favor them to beat, giving them a 40 percent chance to win. The Cardinal have a little more wiggle room because even with two nonconference losses, it can still win the Pac-12, but a two-loss league champ could also be eliminated from the top four.

Florida State at Florida, Nov. 28

Finally, this rivalry game could mean more than bragging rights. Jimbo Fisher has owned the state lately, but the Gators are the favorite to win the SEC East, and if the Noles can get past Clemson, this could be a playoff elimination game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football...es-litter-second-half-college-football-season

 

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