UPDATE: Major developments are unfolding in college football as the final week of the regular season sets the stage for the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections, bowl announcements, and Heisman Trophy voting. As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the championship game matchups and the potential for chaos—particularly for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The ACC is facing a critical moment. In a shocking upset, Cal defeated SMU, knocking the Mustangs out of the ACC championship and opening a door for Duke University to face the Virginia Cavaliers next weekend. This is a game with massive implications: Duke, currently unranked with five losses, could potentially deprive the ACC of a playoff spot if they emerge victorious. A win for the Cavaliers, ranked 18th, would secure an automatic bid for the conference. As it stands, the ACC is teetering on the brink of an unprecedented embarrassment.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten Championship lacks significant stakes. No. 1 Ohio State will face No. 2 Indiana in Indianapolis, both having already clinched CFP bids. The outcome is unlikely to change the top four seeds, with coaches possibly opting to rest key players.
The SEC championship presents a familiar narrative as Georgia prepares to face Alabama in Atlanta. Following a dramatic victory against Auburn, Alabama finds itself in a win-and-in scenario. The stakes are modest for Georgia, but a close loss for Alabama might not deter the selection committee, especially given their previous win over Georgia in Athens.
The Big 12 showdown between Texas Tech and BYU adds another layer of intrigue. The winner will secure an automatic bid to the CFP, while Texas Tech, ranked fifth, could still claim an at-large berth even with a loss. This matchup is crucial, as it could influence the playoff landscape significantly.
As the selection committee prepares to unveil its penultimate rankings on December 5, 2023, controversy looms. If Alabama makes the playoff field despite a loss, and Texas Tech claims the Big 12 title, the playoff spots will be tightly contested. With five candidates vying for the final slot, including Notre Dame and Miami, the stakes have never been higher. The committee’s decision on these two teams, especially given Miami’s recent head-to-head victory, will spark considerable debate.
In other news, Heisman Trophy ballots are due by 2 p.m. PST on December 9, 2023, the day following bowl pairings. This year, the Heisman Trust will delay online voting until Saturday, ensuring that voters consider the outcomes of championship games. The current frontrunners include Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Julian Sayin from Ohio State, both of whom will compete against each other in their respective championship games.
As the coaching carousel spins into high gear, several programs have already made significant moves. Coaching vacancies at schools like Penn State, Florida, and Auburn are creating a buzz, with potential implications for the upcoming recruiting landscape. A decision from Lane Kiffin at Mississippi could ignite further changes in the coaching market.
With the regular season concluding, the next few days promise to be filled with urgent developments in college football. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as these pivotal matchups and decisions unfold. Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights as we approach the championship weekend.
