LSU finds itself alongside rival Alabama, precariously close to disappointment after failing to meet expectations and wasting opportunities. One more setback could see either of these teams fall into the realm of lesser bowl games.

These two teams are set to clash on November 9 in Baton Rouge, making it a pivotal matchup for fifth place in the SEC and an elimination game for the College Football Playoff for the loser.

“We’ve lost our chance to make mistakes,” LSU’s Brian Kelly commented following his team’s second loss after failing to maintain a lead, succumbing to Texas A&M with a score of 38-23, leaving the Aggies as the only undefeated team in the SEC.

The race for playoff spots remains intense, with the SEC proving to be exceptionally competitive and unpredictable.

Two SEC teams fell out of contention this past Saturday.

Missouri, once seen as a rising star, demonstrated they were far from a playoff contender by suffering a humiliating 34-0 defeat at the hands of Alabama.

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt, despite posing a challenge early on for Alabama, was knocked out by Texas, ending its playoff hopes.

Currently, the SEC boasts seven playoff contenders. Although the playoff format does allow for this many teams, it is likely that only four SEC teams will emerge as playoff qualifiers from this crowded field.

Here’s my evaluation of the playoff prospects for the seven SEC teams, ranked from strongest to weakest:

1. Georgia (6-1): The Bulldogs reaffirmed their dominance by overwhelming Texas last week. They still have matchups against Tennessee and Ole Miss ahead but can afford to lose one more and still qualify for the playoffs.

2. Texas A&M (7-1): The Aggies didn’t impress in the first half against LSU but turned it around after halftime to emerge as strong contenders—not just for the playoffs, but potentially for the SEC title as well. Coach Mike Elko may have to continue managing two quarterbacks, but the defense remains reliable.

3. Texas (7-1): The Longhorns narrowly escaped a damaging loss to Vanderbilt, but their relatively easy SEC schedule could leave them vulnerable if they lose against Texas A&M during Thanksgiving weekend.

4. Tennessee (6-1): The Volunteers are favored in all their remaining games except for a clash with Georgia on November 16. However, if Tennessee ends up with two losses, their chances for the playoff might be uncertain, depending on Alabama’s performance as their best win is against them.

5. LSU (6-2): The Tigers are part of a group of SEC teams that need to avoid more losses. Their offensive strategy heavily relies on passing, and struggles from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could be detrimental, as seen in the recent game where he threw three interceptions in the second half against Texas A&M.

6. Alabama (6-2): This year’s Alabama team is one of its least impressive in recent memory, yet if they finish strong at 10-2, they might pressure the committee to include them as a fifth SEC team. They have a significant win against Georgia, but also experienced a surprising loss against Vanderbilt.

7. Ole Miss (6-2): For the Rebels, making the playoffs won’t be as straightforward as pulling off an upset against Georgia. They also need to get past teams like Arkansas, Florida, and face the Egg Bowl, as their once-promising season looks to be heading for disappointment.

SEC’s Chaotic Playoff Scenario

While potential exists for six of the seven contenders to finish with 10-2 records, it’s more realistic to see five of them with just two losses by season’s end.

To simplify matters, let’s assume Georgia defeats Ole Miss. Now, consider this scenario:

∎ Georgia fulfills its expectations to finish at 11-1.

∎ Texas A&M suffers one more loss at South Carolina but secures a victory over Texas, ending at 10-2 before the SEC championship.

∎ Texas also ends with a 10-2 record, having lost to Georgia and Texas A&M.

∎ Tennessee loses to Georgia, finishing at 10-2.

∎ LSU wins all remaining games and finishes 10-2.

This setting creates a situation where tiebreakers become necessary to determine who plays in the SEC championship game.

If the playoff committee can’t accommodate all five teams, which one will be left out? An LSU win over Alabama would diminish the strength of Tennessee’s resume. Texas might end up without any wins against ranked teams while having two losses to top-10 schools.

My best guess? In the outlined scenario, the SEC likely receives four playoff spots, potentially sidelining either Texas or Tennessee. Both teams will have faced Georgia, so the outcomes of those games could be crucial. Conversely, LSU might end up being overlooked due to its two losses, despite a strong schedule.

Here’s additional insight from the “Topp Rope”:

Ohio State Stumbles Yet Persists, Concerns Remain

Ohio State has a wealth of talent among its running backs and wide receivers. However, some issues need addressing.

To achieve success, the Buckeyes need to effectively distribute the ball to their receivers, while their running backs require clear paths to run.

There are significant worries about the Buckeyes’ offensive tackles due to several injuries, which hindered the team’s performance in their narrow 21-17 victory over Nebraska.

“The offensive line isn’t performing well enough,” commented Buckeyes coach Ryan Day.

Unless improvements are made, the Buckeyes (6-1) will rely heavily on their defense, potentially limiting their success. Their upcoming matchups with Penn State and Indiana are particularly challenging.

Quick Takeaways

1. After Colorado triumphed over Cincinnati to enhance their record to 6-2, a 10-win season is within reach for Deion Sanders. No matter the final outcome, his two-year transformation of the Buffaloes has been impressive. Many Gators fans, who were previously excited about Lane Kiffin, may soon be looking enviously at Coach Prime.

2. Voters in the polls are making a mistake by not placing No. 13 Indiana (8-0) in the top 10. The Hoosiers have been dominating their opponents and recently defeated Washington 31-17 with backup quarterback Tayven Jackson. The Ohio State team that faced challenges against Nebraska would struggle against the Indiana team that convincingly beat the Huskers the week before.

3. Here’s my latest playoff prediction in the “Topp Rope”: Georgia (SEC), Oregon (Big Ten), Clemson (ACC), Brigham Young (Big 12), Boise State (Group of Five), along with at-large selections Texas A&M, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio State, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Miami. Looking ahead: Penn State, Iowa State, LSU, Alabama, Kansas State, Pittsburgh, SMU.