One loss teams that have a shot … technically
Run the table and finish the season with one loss and a conference championship, and that should get the job done. Lose again, and unless there’s a miracle, it’s all over. If any of these teams win out and take a Power Five championship, it’ll be almost a near-certain lock to get in.
Auburn (2-1)
When it’ll all be over: It should’ve happened this week against Arkansas, but at Ole Miss on October 24th is the most likely bump, or at home against LSU before dealing with the finishing kick of Tennessee, at Alabama, Texas A&M.
Baylor (1-1)
When it’ll all be over: Soon. Three of the next four games are on the road starting at Texas this week.
Boston College (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: At Virginia Tech this week, or at Clemson on Halloween.
Florida (2-1)
When it’ll all be over: It could, but it likely has to get to the SEC Championship unbeaten to make sure. At Texas A&M, MSU, and Georgia – those are three of the next four games. Get by that, and the sailing is relatively smooth.
Iowa State (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: It might be a bit if the Cyclones win at Oklahoma State in two weeks. Either in Stillwater or in late November at Texas.
Kansas State (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: If everyone is healthy, it might not be for a while, if at all. Either against Oklahoma State on November 7 or at Iowa State on November 21 are the most likely options.
Miami (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: It’s going to take an upset, but at NC State on November 6 or at Virginia Tech on the 14th are the likely misfires, if any.
NC State (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: At North Carolina on the 24th, or Miami the week after. However, win those two, and that second loss might not come.
Tennessee (2-1)
When it’ll all be over: If it’s not against Kentucky this week, it should be against Alabama the week after. However, the tough road games against Arkansas – yeah, Arkansas – and Auburn aren’t until November.
Texas A&M (3-1)
When it’ll all be over: After getting by Florida, the schedule isn’t that bad even with three road games in the next four. At Tennessee on November 14th, LSU on November 28th, or at Auburn on December 5th might be it.
Virginia Tech (2-1)
When it’ll all be over: If this team can ever get healthy and field a full squad, it’ll be deadly. It has to get by Boston College this week, but it gets Miami, Clemson and Virginia at home. It’ll lose one more game along the way, though.
West Virginia (2-1)
When it’ll all be over: It might not be for a bit with Kansas and at Texas Tech up next. Kansas State and at Texas follow.
– Teams that haven’t played yet, but …
– Finished. Done. Let’s go take a steam
– The Group of Five hopefuls
– The unbeaten College Football Playoff contenders