Answering the biggest potential ‘What Ifs’ of the playoff picture

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a touchdown during the second quarter in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a touchdown during the second quarter in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 14: Stetson Bennett #13, Trey Blount #14, and Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrate McIntosh’s 62 yard run for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Sanford Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 14: Stetson Bennett #13, Trey Blount #14, and Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrate McIntosh’s 62 yard run for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Sanford Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

What if LSU beats Alabama (11-1), Auburn beats Georgia (12-1) and Georgia beats LSU (12-1)? 

What a nightmare this would be for the selection committee. The SEC Champion, Georgia, is definitely in and likely atop the bracket. As for LSU and Alabama, it would depend on what happened in each conference across the country.

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In my opinion, the SEC and Big Ten Champions with one loss or less get an automatic invite to the playoff. Assuming Clemson goes undefeated again since they play in the highly disappointing and underachieving ACC, the Tigers will also have a spot.

Now it would leave the fourth spot between LSU, Alabama, the Big 12 Champion and PAC-12 Champion. Under these circumstances, the Crimson Tide would miss their first College Football Playoff.

Amidst a lengthy debate of assumingly razor-thin margins, the criteria of conference championships should go into effect based on prior insights given by former Committee Chairmen.

Using previous years as examples, one may think LSU or Alabama would get the nod. But I think it should be the champion of the Big 12, especially if it is Oklahoma with a loss or less with that loss being to rival Texas.

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I would also imagine discussions arising for an immediate expansion to eight teams if the committee has to deal with this level of chaos.

Playoff Picks: Clemson vs Oklahoma and Georgia vs Ohio State.