I've thought for several weeks that if we wind up with only one loss we would be in but as this article suggests the selection process isn't about which team is best and furthermore it suggests that the committee doesn't want two teams from any one conference.
Don't like it but if that's the way it's going to be and these bowl projections are accurate (Vols in Sugar Bowl) it's about the best we can hope for.
Clemson takes College Football Playoff spot in latest bowl projections
If this was the case, 1 loss USC and 1 loss Clemson would be ranked about 2 loss LSU and Bama......
Committee clearly values wins and quality of opponents.
The only outlier on this is TCU. If they go 13-0, they deserve to be in the playoff, but they are no one of the best 4 teams in the country. TCU at 13-0 is similar to Cincy last year. Not necessarily one of the best four teams, but one of the most deserving four teams. That is the task of the committee. To balance most deserving teams vs the best teams.
There is no world where a 1 loss USC, 1 loss Clemson would be favored anywhere remotely close to a 11-1 Tennessee or 11-2 LSU at that matter.
My guess and firm belief is the CFP will go 3 spots to the "best team" moniker and 1 spot to the "most deserving".... That is how TCU gets in. If TCU loses, they have no shot at CFP, even if they win the Big 12.
TCU loses and final spot will be between LSU, USC, OSU/Michigan Loser (long shot), and maybe Clemson (even longer shot)........
LSU can play their way into that final spot by beating #1 Georgia in Atlanta.
USC can play their way into final spot with winning their conference
AND LSU losing in Atlanta.
OSU/Michigan loser needs LSU to lose in Atlanta, USC to not finish 12-1, and maybe Clemson not winning the ACC
We've had a lot of upsets since the debut of CFP rankings with Clemson, Alabama, and Oregon.... TCU is the last shoe to drop before chaos happens.