CFP Contenders: Focus key for Ohio State but not SEC and ACC teams
With what should be easy wins this week, the primary focus for Ohio State and other contenders should be just take care of business and not look ahead.
For many of the contenders with a chance to make the College Football Playoff, like Ohio State, the key this week is not to look ahead as most play a team they should defeat. Two SEC teams and an ACC team shouldn’t have a problem even if they do lose focus with the small out of conference schools they will play.
First let’s look at teams playing within their conference beginning with the Buckeyes.
No. 9 Ohio State is an overwhelming favorite over Illinois and moved up to No. 9 with the 45 point win over Michigan state. Anything but an overwhelming beatdown of the Illini can lower the Playoff Committee’s opinion of the Buckeyes. Even with “The Game” coming up next week, the Ohio State players must stay focused and win by at least 40 points.
No. 4 Oklahoma with only one loss is in a better position. Even though they play a weak Big 12 team in Kansas, they probably just need a solid win and they will be okay.
No. 10 Penn State still has a chance at the Big Ten East title but must get style points in a win over Nebraska if they want to stay in the playoff conversation.
Now for teams that definitely shouldn’t look ahead:
No. 3 Miami is coming off a huge win over Notre Dame and better not have a letdown against Virginia, who has a big win at No.22 Boise State and one over Georgia Tech as well. If they don’t take the 6-4 Cavaliers seriously it could spell trouble for the Hurricanes.
No. 7 Georgia should take 7-3 Kentucky seriously as well. Did I just write that? The Wildcats appear to be up and coming and defeating the Bulldogs would be a huge signature win the program desperately needs.
No. 8 Notre Dame had better watch out when they face the option offense of Navy that gives everyone fits. The Irish shouldn’t be looking forward to playing the Stanford Cardinals next week or they could get upset.
On paper No. 11 USC shouldn’t have any problems with UCLA. Even though this game usually has gone the way it was expected to the last few years, I never discount what may happen in a rivalry game.
When No. 5 Wisconsin takes on No. 24 Michigan it could be a low scoring dogfight. With what’s at stake for the Badgers, I’m sure they will be focused.
Now for the teams that should be docked for even scheduling these non-conference games, especially this late in the season.
Every starter on Alabama, Auburn and Clemson could come down with the flu and these games should still be blowouts.
No. 1 Alabama vs. Mercer
No. 6 Auburn vs. Louisiana Monroe
No. 2 Clemson vs. The Citadel
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Seriously, the Playoff Committee should consider these games a tie at best even if the contenders win by 50 points. If Alabama, Auburn and Clemson aren’t penalized somewhat for this ridiculous scheduling, I don’t want to hear anything about strength of schedule by the committee from here on out.
Yes, Ohio State and Oklahoma have easy games but conference schedules are put together years in advance, and who knew Illinois and Kansas would be as bad as they are. Everyone knew long ago that Mercer, Louisiana Monroe and The Citadel were small schools who can’t compete with the big boys.
Next: Final home game for players in a terrific class
Anyway, those are the games involving CFP contenders in week 12. This weekend shouldn’t be as exciting as last week, but how teams perform in their wins could move the rankings some.