Nov 6, 20212 min read

CFB: Paths to the College Football Playoff

After the initial College Football Playoff rankings were revealed on Tuesday night, the playoff path has started to become clear for a number of programs. Georgia (8-0) remains the top-ranked team in country followed by Alabama (7-1), Michigan State (8-0), Oregon (7-1), and Ohio State (7-1). All of those teams are a lock if they're able to go undefeated from this point on. Even with one loss, the Tigers are likely going to earn a coveted spot. That's not the case for the other four teams though as Alabama will need to beat Georgia in the SEC championship in early December. Ohio State will also host Michigan State on November 20 in a virtual elimination game. The Ducks don't have any room for error either after a loss to Stanford.

The remaining playoff-hopeful teams will need some help as Cincinnati (8-0), Michigan (7-1), Oklahoma (9-0), Wake Forest (8-0), Notre Dame (7-1) and Oklahoma State (7-1) have realistic paths if they can win out and get a couple key upsets. Both the Bearcats and Sooners would have very strong cases as 13-0 conference champions but it's possible they could be on the wrong side if all the favorites hold. According to Five Thirty Eight, Georgia (79%), Alabama (54%), Oklahoma (46%), and Ohio State (41%) have the best chance to reach the CFP. Michigan, Wake Forest, and Oklahoma State are long shots but remain in the mix. If Georgia and Alabama have one loss, it's likely the decision comes down to Cincinnati or Oklahoma.

CFP Odds:

1. Georgia (-110)

2. Alabama (+275)

3. Ohio State (+800)

4. Oklahoma (+800)

5. Cincinnati (+4000)

6. Oregon (+5000)

According to Action Network.

CFP Probability:

1. Georgia (79%)

2. Alabama (54%)

3. Oklahoma (46%)