There are two paths one-loss Texas A&M can take into the College Football Playoff.
One involves Ohio State losing before the end of the regular season, which would eliminate the Buckeyes’ chances due to the Big Ten’s abbreviated schedule. While a lock for the top four at 7-0, one-loss Ohio State would not be a contender for the national semifinals and would instead land in a New Year’s Six bowl.
Ohio State’s case is weaker at 6-0, and playing seven games isn’t guaranteed given the state of affairs at Michigan. Whether the two rivals can play Saturday remains uncertain as the Wolverines attempt to manage the COVID-19 outbreak responsible for canceling last weekend’s game against Maryland.
Still, the Buckeyes have so far been given the benefit of the doubt by the selection committee — they’ve been fourth in each of the first two playoff rankings — and would still reach the semifinals at 6-0, if with a harrumph from those contenders just outside the top four.
Another door for the Aggies comes via Notre Dame’s second win this year against Clemson, which would claim the ACC championship and knock the Tigers out of contention. This would be a shocker: Clemson has reached the playoff in each of the past five years, winning two national championships.
