For teams that aren't playing in their conference championship games, this is it — the final chance to make a lasting impression on the College Football Playoff selection committee. For some contenders, like Ole Miss, their regular-season résumé is now complete, and what happens in the fifth ranking on Tuesday night should be a strong indicator of their final placement on Selection Day. Others, like Miami, are banking on hope and help — and most importantly, one more win. It all began with the Egg Bowl on Friday — a game that not only kept Ole Miss in the playoff, but also technically in the SEC race. That's right — this thing is far from over, so check back after each game to see how the results will impact the playoff as the day unfolds:
With its win against rival Mississippi State on Friday, Ole Miss likely locked up a playoff spot and remains in a strong position to host a first-round home game. If Texas A&M loses to Texas tonight and Alabama loses to Auburn on Saturday, Ole Miss will clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game. Even if it doesn't, though, the one-loss Rebels should still be a CFP lock. As for the uncertainty still looming around coach Lane Kiffin, if Ole Miss turns to an interim head coach for the playoff, the selection committee could consider that. CFP protocol states the group will consider «other relevant factors such as unavailability of key players and coaches that may have affected a team's performance during the season or likely will affect its postseason performance.» Ole Miss won't miss the playoff because Kiffin left for another job, but it could get dinged a spot or two if the committee thinks the team won't be the same without him.
No. 13 Utah punctuated its résumé with a win against 5-7
Read more on espn.com
espn.com
