College Football. The tailgates, the afterparties, the rivalries and the oh-so-crazy set up of the playoff system.
College Football playoff began in 2014, and now it is facing its craziest year since then.
Currently, there are seven teams that should all be considered for contention in the top four playoff competition, but after a crazy rivalry weekend, the rankings will not be the same.
Let's take a look at the seven teams and where they should stand at the end of this week.
1. Alabama
Alabama went into the Iron Bowl VS number six rated Auburn undefeated but down went Bama. The 26-14 loss for Alabama does not look good for their playoff chances. Auburn was the first top 10 team they have played all season, and they blew it. An easy schedule with only two other teams rated in the top 25 that they have defeated, Alabama should not be considered a top team after this devastating loss. Will they lose a top-four spot? It's hard to say, but should they lose a top-four spot? Yes, they should.
2. Miami
Who saw this coming? Miami has taken the college football nation by storm. With their flashy turnover chain and a crushing victory over the ninth-rated Notre Dame, Miami looked like the real deal. Then, they blow a game to unranked Pitt. Miami is in a shaky territory for the future ratings. They are now 10-1 with the Notre Dame win helping their cause, but that is the only top 20 win they have. Miami should be considered a fourth- or fifth-rated team for the playoffs, but their big game is the last game. Currently ranked fourth, Clemson will be their final matchup of the season. A win should guarantee either team a playoff ticket, but Clemson might have the upper hand for this one.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has had a middle of the pack season thus far. Beating two top 25 teams and picking up one loss on the way. They are currently the third-rated team, however, it doesn't seem like it will stay that way for a whole lot longer. Teams behind Oklahoma are coming in fast. A final win against TCU in their final week will help them make an argument for themselves and with top teams like Miami and Alabama getting upset leaves the door wide open for Oklahoma.
4. Clemson
Clemson is one of the most interesting teams in the top four. They have won both of their top 25 matchups with one of those wins coming against Auburn. They are the borderline team and finish the season off against Miami. A win for Miami should guarantee Clemson a spot in the playoffs. And a loss makes it look like they are done.
5. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the oddball team out of these seven. Where are all the top-ranked matchups? Oh yeah, there aren't any. Wisconsin's big game this season is coming in their last week against Ohio State, and even if they pull out a win, it does not seem near enough to pull them into playoffs. Too easy of a schedule and far too many better teams eligible for the spot. Yes, they are undefeated, but why wouldn't they be with that schedule?
6. Auburn
This has to be the most interesting team on this list. Auburn has lost two games this season, and for a lot of college football fans, that is enough to kick them out of playoffs. But, look at the games they have won. They have beaten seventh-ranked Georgia, 16 ranked MS State and number one Alabama. That is a great resume for a team ranked number six. The golden ticket for Auburn is the final week against Georgia. A win against current seventh-ranked Georgia should make it possible for a two-loss team to make it into playoffs.
7. Georgia
The final team on this contender's list is Georgia. Georgia has had a shaky, up and down season, but one that deserves recognition. They have beaten 16th ranked MS State and ninth-ranked Notre Dame but have dropped one loss to Auburn. The loss to Auburn hurts, but they have a chance for revenge in the final week of the season. But, even if they can pull out a win there, it seems slim that it would bring them down to the top four.
In the end, all seven of these teams are all the leaders for the final four spot. It will be interesting to see how the rankings go at the end of this week and after the final week of the college season as well.
As of now, my ranks for the final four after rivalry week stand as: number one Oklahoma, number two Clemson, number three, Miami and number four Auburn. It's hard to imagine that Alabama won't be in the top four, but with the teams around them, they should be getting the boot.