RJ Young
FOX Sports National College Football Analyst
Oregon, Ohio State and Texas retained the highest three spots within the fourth set of College Football Playoff rankings, which have been launched Tuesday evening. But whereas the Ducks and Buckeyes are each heavy favorites of their upcoming matchups this weekend, the Longhorns put together to face their in-state foe Texas A&M in a recreation that could not imply extra and is nice for school soccer.
Texas A&M is cornered and surrounded on all three sides. The Aggies, ranked twentieth within the newest collection of the CFP rankings, can’t afford to lose this matchup in opposition to the Longhorns as a result of:
A. It’s Texas.
B. It’s for the remaining spot within the SEC Championship Game.
C. A loss relegates the farmers to the realm of shadow.
On the opposite hand, Texas can’t afford a loss both as a result of:
A. It’s Ampersand U.
B. It’s for the remaining spot within the SEC Championship Game.
C. A loss opens up the Longhorns’ presumptive spot within the CFP for a at the moment outside-in, wanting program.
The stakes could not be increased for the return of a hate-filled rivalry. And sure, the Aggies are available in at No. 20, however their rating is not as related as whether or not they can beat Texas. Mike Elko’s group has the liberty to know that taking part in for the championship hinges on whether or not or not they’ll win this recreation this weekend.
Ohio State may beat Michigan, and the Buckeyes may additionally ship a message to the CFP committee with a win.
.The final time Ohio State beat Michigan, there was no COVID-19, the Pac-12 existed, identify, picture and likeness have been nonetheless only a assertion in a millionaire booster’s dream journal, and Sherrone Moore was simply as prone to be Michigan’s first black coach as Michigan would win a nationwide title within the CFP period – each firsts.
In truth, the one fixed within the sport that is still as inexplicable as it’s infuriating to Buckeye followers is that OSU has misplaced three straight video games to Michigan. This whereas the Wolverines have waved three Big Ten championships and a nationwide title with their scarlet purple faces since 2021.
But this Michigan group is not constructed like these Michigan groups. If these Michigan groups have been constructed like a Ford Raptor, this one is constructed like a Ford Lighting. It would possibly drain your batteries, however you’ll by no means hear it as a result of it is actually quiet.
And this Ohio State group is constructed like Max Verstappen within the RB17: revving the turbo on damage emotions, braking late out of jealousy, wheel-to-wheel preventing within the corners out of envy, and chasing the win like they’re keen to cheat on the Abu Grand Prix Dhabi.
The Buckeyes would possibly discover inspiration of their 59-0 thrashing of Wisconsin in 2014 as a method to spotlight the sensible significance of operating up the rating in opposition to this system they hate probably the most.
We have been curious to know what the PCP fee’s place could be Indiana this week after a disappointing 38-15 loss to Ohio State, its first of the 2024 season. Curt Cignetti’s group was listed at No. 10 within the newest set of rankings and is anticipated to face Big Ten foe Penn Stay within the opening match 7-10.
The Hoosiers have an outdoor probability to make the Big Ten Championship Game once more, needing a win over Purdue and losses by each Ohio State and Penn State. But if IU does not win the Big Ten, the query turns into: Does the committee imagine the Hoosiers are one of many 12 greatest groups within the sport?
I feel they’re.
And the identical goes for many packages which have performed Indiana this 12 months. If the Hoosiers are disregarded of the 12-team CFP, how lengthy will it’s earlier than the sector expands to 16? This might be answered as quickly as potential.
RJ Young is a nationwide school soccer author and analyst for FOX Sports and host of the podcast “The number one college football show.” Follow him on Twitter at @RJ_Young AND Subscribe to “The RJ Young Show” on YouTube.
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