NEW 2025 CFP Rankings Reaction: Georgia Enters Top 4, Miami Creeps Up, BYU OUT | College Football

Summary

Cover 3 College Football Podcast Episode: NEW 2025 CFP Rankings Reaction: Georgia Enters Top 4, Miami Creeps Up, BYU OUT
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell, Bud Elliott

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Cover 3 College Football Podcast centers on immediate reactions and in-depth analysis of the newly released 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The hosts dissect major shifts, debate potential playoff scenarios, and examine the implications for bubble teams such as Miami, BYU, and others vying for a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff field. The conversation explores conference narratives, committee logic, and offers expert insight into the ever-shifting playoff landscape.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Miami Rises, BYU Falls Out: Bubble Watch

• Miami jumps up to #13 after a convincing win over NC State, moving them two spots higher. However, hosts question if it’s enough for a real playoff shot, discussing the possible need to reach #10.
• BYU drops out of the top 12, now sitting at #11, with Utah (#12) right behind. The intricacy of playoff tiebreakers and the importance of head-to-head matchups are highlighted.

“The bubble is real right now. … for all the teams that we’re looking at, … that 10 is your target.” — Chip Patterson (03:00)

Committee's Logic on Key Teams

• Hosts question the committee’s rationale in keeping Notre Dame steady near the top 10 despite a recent ranked win and debate Oklahoma vs. Miami’s placement relative to Notre Dame.
• Oregon and Ole Miss at 7 and 6: The show considers if Oregon could leapfrog Ole Miss with a statement win over USC, agreeing such a result would help Oregon's case.

“I would fully expect Oregon to jump Ole Miss if they beat USC, because then Oregon has a better win than Ole Miss." — Tom Fornelli (06:37)

Georgia Moves Into the Top 4

• Georgia climbs to #4, while Texas A&M remains at #3; the movement is seen as justified based on recent results.
• The panel notes Tulane is the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, a major boost for the American Athletic Conference.

"If the bracket were today… Miami would not get the fast pass from 13 to 11 unless they win the conference championship." — Chip Patterson (07:19)

Texas Plummets after Georgia Loss

• Texas falls to #17 after their loss to Georgia, sliding further than most expected.
• Hosts question the committee’s stated priority on strength of schedule, observing that teams with more than two losses face almost insurmountable odds.

“I was somewhat surprised. … the takeaway here is the strength of schedule – I don’t think they’re giving it as much weight as they said they would.” — Tom Fornelli (08:31)

Group of Five: The Plight of James Madison

• The committee’s exclusion of James Madison in favor of Arizona State at #25 is viewed as the “final nail” for JMU’s playoff hopes, and a clear sign of committee priorities.

"James Madison got screwed tonight." — Chip Patterson (12:06)

Big 12 and American Conferences Stand Out

• The Big 12 is hailed for a strong rankings night, especially with Arizona State sneaking in at #25, boosting league reputation.
• Tulane’s Power 4 wins and league results are shown as essential for G5 teams seeking playoff spots.

"The committee’s telling you right there — Power 4 wins for G5 teams." — Tom Fornelli (13:07)

The Home Field Playoff Race

• The conversation pivots to the importance of being in the top 8 for a playoff home game: the difference between #8 and #9 is extremely consequential.
• New playoff expansion is forcing everyone—panelists and fans alike—to reframe how they assess the rankings.

"We have never asked the committee to do this much with significance... It’s a whole lot harder to pick 12." — Chip Patterson (19:38)

Conference Scenarios, Playoff Paths, and Tiebreakers

• Hosts explore various scenarios for Miami, Texas, Michigan, and others, including rooting interests and what losses they need elsewhere for a playoff berth.
• Discussion includes the Big Ten’s challenges—three strong teams but potential for the league to end up with none in the playoff if breaks go against them.

“The Big Ten is going to have a very, very, very difficult time... They’re going to need a lot to go their way.” — Tom Fornelli (24:26)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the absurdity of weekly rankings:
  "It is hilarious that the ACC team that can't win the ACC is currently projected as the ACC team... shows the stupidity of doing these rankings every week." — Tom Fornelli (28:02)
• Advice for anxious fans:
  "If you’re—whatever number you are, root for all the teams ahead of you to lose." — Tom Fornelli (25:21)
• On coaching contracts and the value of being #25:
  "A lot of power conference coaches have gotten the contractual payout from being in the 25... then just go lose in the bowl game, finish unranked..." — Chip Patterson (22:29)

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Notable Segment Timestamps

• Miami’s Playoff Chances & Target Ranking: 02:51–04:54
• Notre Dame & Oklahoma/Miami Bracketing: 05:09–06:09
• Oregon vs. Ole Miss Argument: 06:09–07:09
• BYU & Utah Bubble Position: 07:19–08:31
• Texas' Surprising Drop: 08:31–10:36
• Big 12’s Rankings Night: 10:36–13:07
• Group of Five / James Madison Exclusion: 11:27–13:07
• Home Field Playoff Discussion: 19:15–21:21
• Big Ten Challenges: 23:28–24:54
• MIami Rooting Interest Guide: 25:03–26:31
• Georgia Tech/Virginia Clinching Scenarios: 26:31–27:40
• SEC/Alabama Championship Scenario: 29:16–30:18

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Main Themes:

• The new CFP rankings have injected clarity and chaos into the playoff picture.
• Miami creeps closer but needs help and cannot control its own destiny.
• BYU's exit and Texas’s drop underscore the brutal nature of late-season CFP shuffling.
• Conference perception—especially for the Big 12 and American—matters more than ever.
• The new 12-team format makes top-8 finishes (for home games) immensely valuable.
• Weekly rankings are a source of frustration for both fans and panelists, given their sometimes contradictory signals.

Final Thought:
The playoff race is tighter, messier, and more loaded with drama than ever. Every game, every win over a “Power 4” conference, and every permutation of results matter as teams jostle not just for playoff entry but also for coveted home field advantage in the first round.

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For more, tune in to the next episode, where the hosts will break down Week 13’s biggest games and update all the playoff scenarios.

Transcript

[Chip Patterson]

This episode of the COVID 3 podcast is presented by Cash App. For a limited time only, new Cash App users can use our show's code when they sign up for a reward. Just download Cash App, use our code cover 3 and send $5 to a friend. Within 14 days, you'll get $10 right in your account. Terms apply. That's money. That's Cash App. It's the home stretch of the college football season. We're headed out of town. Rivalry weekend or oh, college football playoff games. The whole experience. While I'm off soaking in the excitement, I realized my home could actually be doing something for me while I'm away. That's right, you can host your home on Airbnb while you're gone. And it's such a practical way to earn a little extra money. I started thinking about it. A few nights of hosting could help cover part of the trip or or even fund tickets for my next game. It's easy and it doesn't take over your life. Just make your space available and then let others enjoy it while you're out having fun. And maybe it's not even a big game. We could do it when we're out for holiday travel as well. You come home to a little extra cash in your pocket and no hassle at all. So if you've got an upcoming trip, whether it's a football weekend, a quick getaway, or a family visit, hosting really does feel like a smart move. Seriously, your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host welcome back.

[Tom Fernelli]

To the COVID 3 podcast with your hosts, Chip Patterson, Tom Fernelli, Danny Cannell and Bud Elliott. It's your call for the best college.

[Chip Patterson]

Football coverage from national signing day to the national championship. And.

[Tom Fernelli]

CBS Sports presents the COVID 3 Podcast.

[Chip Patterson]

And welcome back to the COVID 3 Podcast here on CBS Sports. That's Tom Fenelli, that's Danny Cannell. I'm Chip Patterson coming to you live on YouTube.com cover3@everywhere. Get your podcast on demand. Thanks for hanging out. Smash that subscribe smash that like and come and join us in the chat, aka the COVID 3 tailgate. We got some got some commentary right now. Vanderbilt, as I'm looking at it, was just announced as 14. Miami at 13. Wow up two spots. You know you thump, you thump NC State. That's going to get you scooting up the rankings. Miami Hurricanes up at 13. Reminder for the Miami Hurricanes who are likely on the outside looking in of the ACC title picture, what do we got to say? You probably need to get to 10. Is that our target?

[Danny Cannell]

I mean, why not 11?

[Chip Patterson]

Does 11 get you in?

[Danny Cannell]

Why not?

[Chip Patterson]

If, if the ACC champion and the American champion are behind. So, yeah, 10, then yeah, that's what I've been using as a nice little. Because the bubble is real. Like, we've, we've talked a long time ago about, you know, we're not going to have these conversations till we get deeper into the season. The bubble is real right now. So that's why I've been able to say for all these teams that we're looking at, for the teams Utah just introduced on my screen at number 12, when we are talking about your BYU, Utah, Miami, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Texas, USC, Michigan, like all the teams that could try to get as high as they possibly could because of the opponents they have left or the record that they have, that 10 is your target. BYU up at number 11. As I'm looking at it right now.

[Danny Cannell]

So, so I, I think the committee, they're listening to all the campaigning that's happening for Miami, the acc on a tweet storm about it. And I say, good. Like there's been people out there pounding the table saying, how could Miami. That I've been saying in here for three weeks. It's good that somebody's planning to listen. It's great.

[Chip Patterson]

I do. Do you know where I am on Miami? And we're looking right now, Alabama's just at 10. They're going to take their sweet time now. But there is an aspect, and again, this is very like, you know, inside Miami. You had to have been on this ride with Miami for a long time. But if Miami does close out with two road wins in November, good for them. You know, no one actually thinks you're going to Pittsburgh in late November and coming out with a victory. You know, I mean, it don't matter whether it's Mario Cristobal or Manny Diaz or Mark Richt. Ain't nobody betting on the Canes to go win a road game up in Pittsburgh in late November. So if they do it, then, hey, I'm glad we'll at least entertain that debate into Selection Sunday.

[Danny Cannell]

So Miami went from eight spots to six spots to four spots away from Notre Dame. Like, I feel like that's where they have to get next to them if possible, to try to get their resume side by side. They're getting closer.

[Chip Patterson]

Interesting positioning of Notre Dame. They keep them steady and then split Oklahoma and Miami. You know, we had talked about this, that Notre Dame could be on top of both of them. Up at 8. Could be below both of them at 10. No, they leave the Fighting Irish just where they were after a ranked win by the committee's own rankings last week. So, you know, something to take note of us again. We're looking at these key spots right near the edge of the top 10.

[Danny Cannell]

They didn't care.

[Chip Patterson]

I know, but I'm saying it's a missed opportunity.

[Danny Cannell]

Heard what Pat Narduzzi said. How much does that win matter there?

[Chip Patterson]

There is. There was a path for Notre Dame to be at number eight right now, potentially. And so I think that, you know, if, if we're splitting hairs here, I don't know whether that was a call that, you know, Carla Williams, the Virginia athletic director, made. I don't know if that was a call that Troy Dannon, you know, made with. We'll see. We'll have to find out another time. Looks like we're just shuffling up here. That's Oregon at 7, Ole Miss at 6.

[Danny Cannell]

Do you think Oregon can jump Ole Miss if they have a big win?

[Tom Fernelli]

Yes.

[Danny Cannell]

At home against USC.

[Chip Patterson]

100%. And Washington?

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, yeah. But I think. Yeah, yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

I think the combination of usc, Washington gives Oregon some upward momentum here. Obviously, they're a little bit boxed out for the Big Ten title game, but I, you could, you could talk me into the Ducks still being able to move up and get as high as 5.

[Tom Fernelli]

I would fully expect Oregon to jump Ole Miss if they beat usc because then Oregon has a better win than Ole Miss. Like Ole Miss's best win right now is Oklahoma. Well, actually, no, never mind. That's being correct. So. No, I forgot. Yeah. So I don't know if they'll jump them. They might keep them static because USC is not going to rate as a better win than Oklahoma unless Oklahoma loses next week.

[Chip Patterson]

But if Oregon finishes, if Oklahoma is a two loss team, you know, Ole Miss, Ole Miss one loss versus Oregon one loss. I see what you're saying.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah. I think it's going to depend on how Oklahoma and USC Finish.

[Chip Patterson]

Georgia at 4, Texas A&M 3. They weren't moving Texas A and M up.

[Tom Fernelli]

No.

[Chip Patterson]

Like we, we do all the big picture. Like, yeah, good job there. But if we're judging your resume, there's. There's no movement up after that. Indiana and Ohio State checking in at 2 and 1 as they were if the bracket were today. We still have this mind numbing result of Miami being in there, even though they would not get the fast pass from 13 to 11 unless they win the conference championship. Something that mathematically seems highly unlikely. Tulane finds itself currently as the highest ranked team from outside of the power conferences. That seems really good for the American, but also there are a lot of other teams in the American that could wind up playing for the American Athletic Conference championship. So once again 11 and 12 seed, we are a little bit confused. First team out would be the 11th team, BYU. Utah there at 12. Remember BYU as a win over Utah in Provo earlier this season. So as we, as we've now got it, I've got a couple notes from further down in the rankings, but as we're sitting here with the top 10 and the full bracket all revealed thoughts about what they've done here at the top.

[Tom Fernelli]

I mean, at the top there really aren't any huge surprises. I think that that would have been pretty easy 12 to predict going into the night. I think honestly one of the bigger takeaways to me so far as far as who used to be at the top is Texas falling all the way to 17. Yeah, I knew that they, we saw that they did it in the human polls. We didn't really expect them to go that far. At least you did it in your projected 25, which you were clearly very, very wrong about, even though you tried to influence the voters. But like, I was somewhat surprised. I didn't think the committee would drop them that low. And I think the takeaway here is the strength of schedule that they are talking about. I don't think they're giving it as much weight as they said that they would. I think that maybe they were just like, oh yeah, for sure. We're definitely going to care about that. I think that we're still looking at a situation where if you've got three losses, they better be incredible losses to overcome teams with only one or two. And I guess unlike Texas fans, the committee didn't think that was that close of a game against Georgia on Saturday night.

[Chip Patterson]

Sounds like the ball knowers spoke up. Mark Dantonio, Wesley Walls, Chris Alt, they got in there and they said, boys, I, I don't even need to explain game control to y'.

[Tom Fernelli]

All.

[Chip Patterson]

I've, I've seen who controlled that game. That was Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs.

[Tom Fernelli]

I will say if you are a Texas fan, don't give up. You still got a shot to get it. Because if you can fall seven spots for losing to Georgia, you can climb five or six more after beating Texas A and M if you do. Like there, a lot of the teams that are ahead of the Longhorns are probably going to take A loss or two before the season is over. Oh, so you look at that. And then as long as they went out and get that A and M win, I still think Texas is a very legitimate threat to get into the field as an at large, but I would. I thought they'd be about 14 or 15. The fact that they dropped a 17 makes me a little more skeptical about their chances than I were coming into the evening.

[Chip Patterson]

Interesting takeaway here. I think the Big 12 had a good rankings night. Arizona State. I mean, what did. Was I crazy there?

[Tom Fernelli]

I mean. Yeah, they're 25th. I. I don't know. It's.

[Chip Patterson]

Where'd they come from?

[Tom Fernelli]

I don't know. Who's.

[Chip Patterson]

Who's been out here. Who's been out here clamoring. Who has been clamoring for the Jeff Sims led Arizona State team to come crack these rankings?

[Tom Fernelli]

You know who did this? Dillingham called in a favor. Kenny said, listen, boys, I don't know if you saw the report today. My quarterbacks think adventuring the transfer portal. I need you. I need you to put my team in the rankings to show him that we still got it, that we're still in the hunt here and he can accomplish everything he wants to accomplish here at Arizona State.

[Chip Patterson]

Or.

[Bud Elliott]

Or.

[Tom Fernelli]

What happened, Chip, was that the committee was letting everybody know it's not going to be James Madison. We would rather put Arizona state at 25 than put James Madison in there and give people hope. Or the idea that James Madison has a legitimate shot of getting this, this, this championship or into the playoff. Because they don't. And again, people think that I'm saying this because I don't like James Madison. No, I think every conference champion should be in the playoff. It's. If they're not, then it's not really a playoff. But the way that this committee works and based on how they've done it for years, James Madison never had a realistic shot again. Yeah, tonight kind of put the final nail in that.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, James Madison got screwed tonight. Tonight was a. Tonight was a good night for the Big 12 because I was thinking about it with, you know, Arizona State has the win against two.

[Tom Fernelli]

It's against Texas Tech.

[Chip Patterson]

So as that we continue to just drool over Texas Tech. Well, that means Arizona State's good and that means that for Arizona State, you know, that that's a quality win that could be out there for the rest of the conference. This is a. This is. This is a good, A good week for the Big 12. This is a horrible night for James Madison. Again, the Americans so fascinating in this because they have put two lane up there. But Navy, I think percentage wise has a better chance to make the title game. They are 6 and 1 in league play and you know, if they can take care of business, then they'll be on one side of that. So that'll be something else to keep an eye on. But with Tulane making it in again, North Texas, I think was the, the prediction right?

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, I think that was what most people projected. But Tulane is clearly, I'm guessing because of the Northwestern win, the Duke win. They've, I mean, the committee's telling you right there, Power 4 wins for G5 teams. Yep. And JMU, of course, USF had the Power 4 win. They'd beaten Florida. They were in, they lost, they move out. Bring in the next one. Memphis was in, they had the power four win, they lost, they're out bringing the next one. And that's why I think the American is going to get the spot no matter what because they have six wins against Power Four conference teams.

[Chip Patterson]

Doing a lot of work there. 100%. All right, coming up on the other side, now that we've got the new set of rankings, what are the Week 13 games? We've got our eyes on all that and more nukes.

[Bud Elliott]

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[Chip Patterson]

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[Tom Fernelli]

I don't think there's anything really to take away, honestly, that hasn't changed. Like Oregon at this point, I don't, I can't remember we went to the tiebreakers. I know I ran the numbers Chip, and it's Ohio State, Indiana. Every time but this Oregon have like a viable path to Indianapolis?

[Chip Patterson]

Oregon, I think, I don't think they.

[Tom Fernelli]

Do because of lost Indiana, Right?

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I don't think Oregon does.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

The confusing thing was Michigan, USC and Ohio State all tied for second place.

[Tom Fernelli]

So I mean, for Oregon, I feel like if I'm the Ducks, I probably want to win out because they do have one loss, but they are, they are ranked behind every other one loss team outside of byu. Yeah. So I feel like if I'm the Ducks, what I'm taking away is I have to win because if I have a loss here, whether it's maybe they could survive a loss to usc, but it's at home. So I don't even know that I would wager that far. But I do feel like if they lose, they are in serious jeopardy of being out of one of those final at large spots. Like, if you're a Miami fan, you should probably be rooting for usc. But I do think that the Ducks are mostly playing just to win out to get a home game. So you're trying to improve your seating. If you're usc, it's been the same thing all along. It really doesn't matter where you're ranked. You have to win out because a 10 and 2 USC with the wins that they would have at that point would get in. Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah. That's another good way to look at this. Tom, as we're getting into the final stretch, I talked about the bubble kind of means like top 10, top eight is home game. Do you want to have a home game? Now that's the conversation.

[Tom Fernelli]

Texas definitely want to have a home game. Last year taught us that. No, I know, I know you know that, but I'm saying, like if last year taught us anything, you definitely want to have a home game.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, that's, that's the new way to look at this. I mean, we are guys, we are learning how to talk about this and look at this just as, at the same time as everybody else. And that is something that is interesting that, you know, we've got to draw these lines in the sand now to be able to figure out what the, the cutoff points are and where the big decisions and the tough decisions are going to be made. When the College Football Playoff expanded, one of the things that I remember writing about is we have never asked the committee to do this much with significance. We said that for the most part throughout the entire four team era. We kept being like, oh yeah, the committee got it right. You want to know why the committee got it Right. Because it ain't that damn hard to pick four. It's a whole lot harder to pick 12. And when the significance of the home game is so much that 8 and 9, I mean, damn, the difference between the eighth team in the country and the ninth team in the country is not much. But the significance between whether you are playing at home or on the road in the first round of the playoffs in mid to late December, that's huge. These are big, big decisions that the committee's going to be making. And of course, right there, if you looked at it, that Oklahoma, Notre dame is that 8, 9 split. So, yeah, your Texas Tech all the way through Alabama, like, that's. How are we really judging these teams against each other? Those will be the crucial conversations, in my opinion, as we react to the next two weeks of results. Also, shout out to Houston. I apologize for omitting you from good day for the Big 12, but that falls into the same category here in terms of, you know, a team from that conference being able to bolster the entire conference's reputation and what it means to have three teams up in the top 12. That's. It's a good, good night for Brett. Your mark, for sure.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah. I mean, the Big 12 is showing depth, but then you've got like the last year, we talked about the Big 12 having depth, but they didn't have the top team. They have depth in that they have five teams ranked, and they also have one team in the top five. So I. I think this has been a tremendous season for the Big 12, and I think that these rankings are kind of shown reflecting that We.

[Chip Patterson]

We hang in a banner for Illinois at 21.

[Tom Fernelli]

I mean, listen, I'm happy they're ranked. As a fan, if you're not in One of the 12 spots, who the hell cares? These rankings don't matter. That's all that these are for. Like, it's. That's why it's stupid that they do the 25. So, yeah, I'm happy that Illinois gets to have the number next to its name, but I'd rather like. The AP poll is the one that actually like.

[Chip Patterson]

Because I was gonna say I'd rather be in the final AP poll.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah. Because the AP poll considers the whole season. This stops after the regular season. Like, it doesn't do the bulge of the playoff games. So, I mean, cool, we're ranked. That's great. And it's going to be on the TV. Is 21 great? It's good for the program. It's good to give you that kind of attention. But as a fan, it means nothing.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I know a lot of power conference coaches who have gotten the contractual payout from being in the 25, like in 22 or something. And they're like, so they get the payout for being in the final CFP rankings, then just go like lose in the bowl game, finish unranked. The Wikipedia AP poll, our still frame of the season. You are not a ranked team. But yeah, hey, got that 250k for, for the, for the nice little CFP. Congrats on that one. I'm trying to think about what else is as we're looking at it. Thank you, Mikey. On YouTube.com cover three. Oh, yeah. Good. Good for Miami, good for the Big 12, bad for James Madison. I guess in that sense, good for the American. Like they'll. If they're just going to slide, you know, if you're just going to slide one out and put two lane in, it probably means you'll do the same with whoever wins the conference.

[Tom Fernelli]

A question for you.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Tom Fernelli]

Based on where these rankings are, and we talked about it like some of the teams ahead when we were talking about like USC and Texas, they're going to lose. The fact that Texas has three losses at 17 and two lost. Michigan is at 18. Does beating Ohio State do enough to get Michigan into the field?

[Chip Patterson]

Texas has a win against Oklahoma. Oklahoma beat Michigan.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, that's. And, yeah. And like, But I'm, I'm more thinking of Michigan's resume because right now, I mean, you tell me what Michigan's best win is. I think I know what it is, but I'd like to hear your opinion. New Mexico, Central, Michigan, Nebraska on the road, Wisconsin, Washington at Michigan State, Purdue at Northwestern.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I think they're done.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Tom Fernelli]

I don't, I don't know if beating Maryland in Northwest or Ohio State is going to be enough to get them in. I think the Big Ten is three teams. I think that's one of the takeaways from these rankings because it's one thing when it was a few weeks ago, but now that we're getting this late in the process and there's only a couple of games left, a few more data points. I think the Big Ten is going to have a very, very, very difficult time. They're going to need a lot to go their way to get in for.

[Chip Patterson]

They could have three teams in the top six and no one else in the playoff.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, okay.

[Chip Patterson]

I agree with that. By the way. Did I have I run through the. The Miami rooting Interest guide.

[Tom Fernelli]

Go for it.

[Chip Patterson]

Notre Dame loss. Oklahoma loss. Alabama loss. Oregon loss. Yeah, you know, just inch a little bit closer. Those are four results to move up three spots.

[Tom Fernelli]

I have a. I have a much simpler method for any fan. It doesn't have to just be Miami. If you're. Whatever number you are, root for all the teams ahead of you to lose.

[Chip Patterson]

Oh, yeah, That's a good one. That's.

[Tom Fernelli]

That's my tried and true method.

[Chip Patterson]

Oh, my gosh. There is. I'm gonna go ahead and shout him out here because he is. He is our friend, and he made me chuckle today because there is a scenario where Virginia, who is off this week, so Georgia Tech makes the ACC championship game. Georgia Tech right now checking in at number 16 in the rankings. Georgia Tech makes the ACC championship game with the win against Pittsburgh this week. Very easy. They win this game, they clinch one of the spots in the ACC. There is a way that Virginia, who is at 19 and off this week, there is a way that they clinch on a bye week. Could you imagine how awesome that would be as a player or a coach on Saturday to be able to clinch a spot in the ACC championship game without having to go out there?

[Tom Fernelli]

Certainly not like getting fired on your day off.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, that's. That's. That is certainly something. Georgia Tech over Pitt would be result number one. Louisville over SMU would be result number two. And I know what you're thinking to yourself, Tom. You're thinking, you know what? There's a pretty decent scenario for Virginia to do this. Yes. You ready for result number three?

[Tom Fernelli]

Yes.

[Chip Patterson]

Do you know what it is?

[Tom Fernelli]

No.

[Chip Patterson]

North Carolina over Duke.

[Tom Fernelli]

Oh, you're screwed. Yeah. You're gonna have to. You're gonna have to beat Tech. Who's. You're gonna have to do it on your own.

[Chip Patterson]

If Georgia Tech beats pit, if North Carolina beats Duke, if Louisville beats smu, then Virginia clinches a spot in the ACC title game. And in that scenario, since Georgia Tech beats Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech would as well. We would go into the final week of the regular season with that being all locked up.

[Tom Fernelli]

Where's the Louisville SMU game at?

[Chip Patterson]

That is in Dallas.

[Tom Fernelli]

Oh, no. Louisville's not winning that game.

[Chip Patterson]

Not funky vibes.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah. Bad vibes coming out of that locker room these days.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I. I would agree with that. Anything else from. Again, like, we're. We're. We've got the committee chair, which is now Hunter Yurichek, the Arkansas athletic director, has taken over. Anything else from this is that stands out to you?

[Tom Fernelli]

No, I mean it. Again, it is hilarious that the ACC team that can't win the ACC is currently projected as the ACC team, which again shows the stupidity of doing these rankings every week.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, we wouldn't do this if we, if we just took our time.

[Tom Fernelli]

Think of how much happier people would be if they didn't have to see these rankings every week. Wouldn't be all this discord. Wouldn't be all the, the fussing and the feuding. Miami and Notre Dame fans wouldn't be screaming at each other all day long.

[Chip Patterson]

Mm. Again, if Miami goes to do it. And again the, the path you need to first go out and win two road games in November. Challenge number one and also Notre Dame loss, Oklahoma loss, Alabama loss, Oregon loss. There you go.

[Tom Fernelli]

That's all you need.

[Chip Patterson]

That's all you do.

[Tom Fernelli]

Oh, and you have to win. You can't blow it yourself.

[Chip Patterson]

And you cannot blow it yourself.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, Miami would never blow it. I mean, come on, let's be real.

[Chip Patterson]

Certainly not with a 21 point lead against Syracuse on the last regular season week.

[Tom Fernelli]

Here's a question from Sheree Shockey for you. What do you do with an Alabama SEC champion if they defeat A and M? Can you jump them six spots and punish A and M out of a buy? Yeah, yeah. And they probably will. Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

Texas A and M's resume is not as strong as Alabama's.

[Tom Fernelli]

Actually, I don't think they would knock A M out of a buy. I think A M would fall to four in this scenario. They would probably. If they're, if they're 12 and one like this assumes that they win their last two games and they beat Texas. If they lose, can they get knocked out of the SEC championship? Like then wouldn't it be Alabama, Georgia?

[Chip Patterson]

We need the Bud Bot for that one.

[Tom Fernelli]

Oh, where are you at? But I do think that's the case. I cannot remember. But let's just assume Texas A and M wins out, beats Texas, gets them out of the paint for good, then goes to Atlanta and loses to Alabama. Alabama would probably be the three or two seed. Texas A&M would fall to the four, but they would still get to buy. I don't, I don't think they're going to punish an undefeated team for losing a conference championship game by not letting them have a buy. It would be bad business for all involved.

[Chip Patterson]

There is, as Jerry B. Mentioned, there is a world where Georgia could be as high as number four without playing in the SEC championship game.

[Tom Fernelli]

There is, but I think that would involve Texas A M blowing the doors off of Alabama and Atlanta.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I think I agree with that, Michael. Big Ten has no shot of getting four.

[Tom Fernelli]

Yeah, I'd say they have a small shot, but not a very good one. But yeah, if, if you, if Oregon beats usc, I definitely think it's going to be three. If USC beats Oregon, there's a chance that with enough chaos elsewhere, Oregon can still sneak in as a 10 and 2 at large.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, the Oregon, USC result, where USC beats Oregon is a nervy, nervy selection Sunday.

[Tom Fernelli]

Here's a scenario. Chip. Oh, 10 and 2 Oregon, 10 and 2 Notre Dame, 10 and 2 Miami. The committee says, the committee says throw in Oregon so that way we don't have to worry about choosing between Notre Dame and Miami.

[Chip Patterson]

That's the TCU Baylor from 2014. We've seen it before. Goodness gracious. All right, enough on those rankings. How about breaking the games down? That's what we're going to be doing on Wednesday, 11am Eastern Time, to be able to roll through some of the biggest games of the weekend. Of course, we will be talking about that matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans will be getting into Georgia Tech, Pitt and so much more. Maybe a little byu, Cincinnati as well. And you can follow him on Twitter Tom Fridelli. You can follow me at chippatterson. Tom, thank you very much.

[Tom Fernelli]

Thank you.

[Bud Elliott]

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