UPDATE: The college football landscape is in turmoil as ACC chaos threatens playoff spots and Heisman stakes rise! Following a shocking upset, the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections are looming, and crucial matchups are set for next weekend.
In a stunning turn of events, California shocked SMU, eliminating the Mustangs from the ACC championship picture and opening the door for Duke University to face the Virginia Cavaliers next week. A Duke victory could mean disaster for the ACC, as they potentially could miss the playoffs with an unranked champion.
The implications are immense: the CFP guarantees automatic bids to the top five ranked conference champions. If the Blue Devils, currently with five losses, win, they might rank lower than champions from the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, and two Group of Five leagues. This could lead to an embarrassing playoff exclusion for the ACC.
The stakes are markedly different in the Big Ten, where the upcoming championship game features No. 1 Ohio State against No. 2 Indiana. Both teams have already secured their CFP berths, making the matchup largely inconsequential for playoff positioning.
Meanwhile, the SEC showdown between Texas A&M and Alabama promises to be more intense. Following Texas A&M’s recent loss, Alabama clinched a spot in the conference championship. The Crimson Tide’s victory against Auburn on Saturday night, 27-20, sets them up for a must-win scenario against Georgia, who also has a playoff spot locked in.
The Big 12 matchup between Texas Tech and BYU could either solidify a playoff berth for the winner or leave significant ramifications for the conference’s future. The fifth-ranked Red Raiders and 11th-ranked Cougars face off in Arlington, with both teams eyeing a coveted CFP spot.
The CFP selection committee is set to release its penultimate rankings on December 5, 2023, followed by the final rankings on December 7, 2023, just before the championship games. Anticipation is high, especially over which teams will capture the last playoff spot—the competition is tight among teams like Notre Dame, Miami, and others.
As for the Heisman Trophy, ballots must be submitted by 2 p.m. PST on December 9, 2023. This year, the voting process has changed to prevent early submissions before conference championships. Candidates like Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Julian Sayin from Ohio State will be crucial as they compete in their championship games next weekend.
In addition to playoff drama, the coaching carousel is in full swing. Schools such as Virginia Tech and Stanford are making waves with new hires, while other programs are retaining their current coaches. This dynamic could lead to a flurry of announcements in the coming days.
With the season drawing to a close, all eyes are on December 7 and December 9 for critical playoff decisions and Heisman outcomes. Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling college football saga unfolds!
