The No. 1 team in the US LBM Coaches Poll is now the No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff field in this week’s USA TODAY Sports bowl projections.

Oregon has held the top spot in the rankings since Georgia defeated Texas in Week 8. The Bulldogs, however, were the No. 1 seed in last week’s edition based upon the expectation Ohio State would emerge as the Big Ten champion. That’s not a given after the Buckeyes struggled against Nebraska at home, changing the forecast in the favor of the Ducks going unbeaten.

The other major changes come with the additions of two SEC teams to the playoff. Texas A&M has worked its way into the 12-team field after defeating LSU. Also improving its position is Tennessee, which looks to be in good shape to reach at least 10 wins. Dropping out are both LSU and idle Iowa State. While the decision might be harsh to the unbeaten Cyclones, they face a tough task running the table in the Big 12 and lack the quality wins of both the Aggies and Volunteers.

So, that’s where the picture stands entering November. But the final full month of the season is where business picks up for the contenders, and the pressure to win can lead to unexpected results. There’s sure to be more changes ahead.

CALM DOWN: Playoff chaos possibilities lead Week 9 overreactions

Note: Legacy Pac-12 schools in other conferences will fulfill existing Pac-12 bowl agreements through the 2025 season.

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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa’s postgame actions are creating more headlines than his performance on the field during the team’s 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Bosa interrupted NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark’s live postgame interview with Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Isaac Guerendo on the Levi’s Stadium field. The 49ers defensive end was wearing a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat when he interrupted the interview. He pointed to the hat – which featured the slogan of former president Donald Trump – before the defensive end ran off to the locker room.

Bosa’s teammates paused and acknowledge him. Kittle laughed and appeared to be surprised by Bosa’s gesture. Stark also seemed to be a bit surprised by the interruption.

‘Alright, Nick Bosa with a message there,’ Stark said after Bosa interrupted the interview.

Reporters asked Bosa about his political statement during the 49ers’ postgame press conference, but he was vague in his response.

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‘I’m not going to talk too much about it, but it’s an important time,’ Bosa said.

Did Nick Bosa violate NFL rules when he wore a MAGA hat on the field?

Bosa’s postgame ‘Make American Great Again’ hat stunt did indeed violate an NFL rule and he is subjected to a possible fine.

The bylaw Bosa broke is stated in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL’s rulebook:

“Throughout the period on game day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including in pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the league office. Items to celebrate anniversaries or memorable events, or to honor or commemorate individuals, such as helmet decals, and arm bands and jersey patches on players’ uniforms, are prohibited unless approved in advance by the league office. All such items approved by the League office, if any, must relate to team or league events or personages. The league will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns. Further, any such approved items must be modest in size, tasteful, non-commercial, and non-controversial; must not be worn for more than one football season; and if approved for use by a specific team, must not be worn by players on other teams in the league.”

Further, the NFL’s general policy on uniform states that any ‘visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League.’ If not, then they must have approval in advance by the League office.

From the 2024 NFL rulebook (Rule 5, Section 4, Article 1):

‘Throughout the game-day period while in view of the stadium and television audience, including during team pregame warm-ups, all players must dress in a professional manner under the uniform standards. The helmet and mandatory padding referenced in Article 3 below are intended to provide reasonable protection to a player while reasonably avoiding risk of injury to other players. The development of Playing Rules should be governed by this Article. Players generally must present an appearance that is appropriate to representing their individual clubs and the National Football League.The term uniform, as used in this policy, applies to every piece of equipment worn by a player, including helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and any other item of protective gear, and to every visible item of apparel, including but not limited to pants, jerseys, wristbands, gloves, game socks and/or leg coverings, shoes, visible undergarments, and accessories such as headwear worn under helmets and hand towels. All visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League office.’

Will Nick Bosa get fined for wearing the MAGA hat?

The NFL will make the final determination whether or not Bosa is disciplined, but he did violate Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL’s rulebook.

The NFL has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

Fans of the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys have been desperate to escape reality in 2024. Luckily for them, ESPN and the NFL have a way to make that happen. The game has been moved to Springfield, the site of the famous nuclear power plant in the long-running sitcom ‘The Simpsons.’

It’s being dubbed ‘Simpsons Funday Football,’ although it’s a mystery how much fun these two fanbases will have if their struggles keep up. Both squads came into the campaign with great expectations and have fallen short time and time again. In the words of Homer Simpson, ‘Kids, you tried your best, and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.’

While that won’t happen in the NFL, the Cowboys and Bengals are at a crossroads. Dallas made the decision to pay big money to Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and other stars, leaving them short on cash in terms of the salary cap. Those contracts have seemingly put a cap on this core’s ability to win moving forward.

The Bengals are stuck in a familiar spot. The bill is coming due for some of their top talent, but Cincinnati isn’t a team that typically pays up in those spots. That’s only cast a cloud over them in 2024, leaving their future up in the air.

It’s fitting that this is the matchup that makes its way to Atoms Stadium in Springfield. Here’s everything you need to know about the alt-cast.

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What is the Simpsons NFL broadcast?

Inspired by the success of alternate broadcasts in sports, ‘The Simpsons’ game is just the latest installment. In an ongoing effort to expand and find new ways to entertain an audience, the NFL previously turned to Nickelodeon and Disney Pixar’s ‘Toy Story.’

While the ‘Toy Story’ version ended up being a one-time thing for the 2023 season’s Week 4 matchup between the Jaguars and Falcons in London, the Nickelodeon gimmick is here to stay. The slime-inspired alt-cast has been a hit, earning a spot in the Super Bowl 58 broadcast lineup. Disney and ESPN even tested their animation capabilities with a ‘Big City Greens’ version of an NHL game, which looks like it’ll become a yearly tradition.

After acquiring ‘The Simpsons’ in their acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, the stage for this Week 14 game to become a reality was set. According to the release, the live animation will feature Bart as a member of the Bengals and Homer with the Cowboys. Marge and Lisa will interview players while Maggie operates the SkyCam.

Voice actors from the show, Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Yeardley Smith, are also set to participate. The broadcast will feature skits and other prerecorded content, with some custom scenes from the shows’ producers. ESPN’s Drew Carter, Mina Kimes, and Dan Orlovsky are set to call the action.

When is the Simpsons NFL broadcast?

Fans eager to catch a glimpse of the action in Springfield will have to wait until Dec. 9 for the Week 14 matchup. Anyone looking for the Atoms Stadium experience can view it on ESPN+, Disney+, and NFL+.

Fans who want a traditional viewing experience can still tune into ESPN to hear Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters. The Week 14 matchup will feature a ‘ManningCast’ with Peyton and Eli Manning.

Stream Monday Night Football with an ESPN+ subscription

Who will play in the Simpsons game?

The Dallas Cowboys will host the Cincinnati Bengals in the first edition of ‘The Simpsons’ game. While the actual contest will be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, this version will have the teams dueling at their hometown in Springfield.

While the teams hope their fortunes change, it’s been coming up anything but Millhouse this season.

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The game has changed for elite college athletes.

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg was prepared to take advantage.

The projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Flagg has reached an NIL (name, image and likeness) deal with Gatorade, it was announced Tuesday, making him the first men’s college basketball player to join the performance and wellness sports drink company.

‘For me it was a huge opportunity coming from a family that drank Gatorade pretty much my whole life,’ said Flagg, a versatile 6-9 guard-forward. ‘I grew up with my brothers drinking Gatorade almost every day. So I think having that kind of connection and then just aligning myself with the brand that is very high level and about the right stuff and does it the right way.’

This announcement follows Flagg’s decision to sign an athletic apparel deal with New Balance, which has deep roots and manufacturing plants in Flagg’ home state of Maine.

He has made deliberate and strategic partnership choices and all before he has played one college basketball game.

Flagg arrived in Durham, North Carolina as the most celebrated freshman since Zion Williamson. He was the national high school player of the year (including the Gatorade player of the year) following a senior season at Montverde (Florida) Academy in which he averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.6 steals and shot 55.1% from the field.

Duke is the preseason favorite to win the ACC, and Flagg, who doesn’t turn 18 until Dec. 21, is a major reason why in addition to a roster that features at least two other projected first-rounders, freshmen Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel, and projected NBA players, senior Tyrese Proctor and freshman Isaiah Evans.

Flagg had 22 points and six assists in an exhibition victory against Lincoln University and had nine points, four rebounds and three assists in an exhibition victory against Arizona State. The Blue Devils open the season against Maine Monday at Cameron Indoor Stadium (7 p.m. ET, ACC Network).

‘There’s a huge adjustment as far as the level of basketball goes,’ Flagg said. ‘And obviously speaking for any freshman in the country playing basketball, there’s a lot of ups and downs that come with it. It’s a new environment, new scenarios, new players. The physicality is just at a different level.

‘So just kind of taking it day by day, having some older guys give me advice to take me under their wing has been really big for me. And just coming through some of the down days and trying to just keep looking forward, keep my head up, and just trying to keep, get better.’

Flagg was a well-known high school player, and his prominence soared in July when he played for the U.S. select team which practiced and scrimmaged against the U.S Olympic team. Flagg was the only teen and only non-professional on the team, and he left an impression with coaches and Olympians.

In a scrimmage open to the media in Las Vegas, Flagg made a 3-pointer over All-NBA Defense selection Anthony Davis and on the next possession, he had a put-back plus an and-one over Bam Adebayo, another All-Defense performer. He also connected another 3-pointer against Davis and connected on a short turnaround jumper over Jrue Holiday – you guessed it – an All-Defense selection last season.

Flagg is doing his best to remain in the present as attention surrounds him and the Blue Devils.

‘We have a really competitive team and so we’re pushing each other every single day, so helping each other get better is something that’s going to happen,’ Flagg said. ‘For me, the biggest thing is just trying to focus and stay grounded and stay connected with all my teammates and just let everything else figure yourself out.’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Drake Callender may have lifted the MLS Supporters’ Shield trophy a little too high over Lionel Messi’s head. But you can’t blame the 6-foot-3 Inter Miami goalie for basking in the moment.

Messi asked Callender and 6-foot-2 midfielder Sergio Busquets to raise it together during Inter Miami’s celebration of its regular season title. But once the shield was in the air, the 5-foot-7 legend could no longer reach, so he happily clapped alongside his teammates.

“I was just ready to stand with the team and watch them go do it. But he came over and asked for some help, which I think shows how humble the guy is, and how much of a leader he is,” Callender said. “He recognized that I had a couple games that I captained this year. And to be able to lift the Supporters’ Shield in front of our fans, in front of our team and everybody that’s supporting us all year was pretty cool.

“Probably one of the biggest moments of my career.”

Just like Argentine star goalie Dibu Martinez helped Messi win the Qatar World Cup and last two Copa America titles, Callender has been a major part of Messi’s success in Major League Soccer, helping Inter Miami win two titles.

Inter Miami’s run in the MLS Cup Playoffs continues Saturday with the second match of the best-of-three, first-round series against Atlanta United. A win would advance Inter Miami to the next round after a 2-1 victory Friday.

Callender wants to help Messi and his team win the MLS Cup, which would mark their third title together and Messi’s 47th for club and country. Messi would not have Nos. 44 or 46 without the 27-year-old goalie from Sacramento.

During the Leagues Cup final last year, Callender scored the 10th penalty kick and blocked the final kick in a shootout to help Inter Miami beat Nashville 2-2 (10-9) for the club’s first title just seven matches into Messi’s arrival.

Callender also provided the crucial penalty save against MVP candidate Cucho Hernandez during Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield-clinching win over reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew earlier this month.

“To play the role I did in winning both of our trophies is wild for me because I’m someone who just wants what’s best for the team,” Callender said. “I know there’s never just one player that wins a trophy or wins a game, it’s a collective effort. I’ve been fortunate to help us win.”

Just don’t ask Callender which trophy or moment he prefers most.

“They’re both different. Different trophies. Different scenarios. Different circumstances. I don’t know if I could put one over the other because they mean so much to me,” Callender said. “But I might have to go with Leagues Cup because it was my first trophy that I played a role in. It’s not like one is above the other. They’re both right there.”

Callender, who co-authored a children’s book, ‘X Marks the Spot,’ about mindfulness and mental health with former teammate DeAndre Yedlin, says he tried to live with an opportunity-based mentality instead of one based in fear. You can fear the possible outcome of situations, or you can thrive in the possibility something positive will happen in adverse moments, he explained.

It was this mentality that Callender said helped him choose the correct path of Hernandez’s second penalty kick of the match that proved to be the difference for Inter Miami’s regular season title.

Hernandez’s first penalty resulted in a 61st-minute goal that cut Inter Miami’s lead to 3-2 after Callender dove to his right and the ball went in the opposite direction. For the second penalty, Callender dove to the lower right corner of the net in the 84th minute to make the stop and seal a victory over the defending champions.

“It’s probably one of the biggest saves of my career,” Callender said. “Being a goalkeeper is like a rollercoaster. The highs are really high and the lows are really low. Most of the time, you’re either the villain or the hero.

‘There’s been many times this year where I’ve been the villain. And in that moment, I had an opportunity to be a hero.”

Callender said he keeps the same mindset in his personal life. He and his wife Kyra Rogers, a former UCLA volleyball player, welcomed their daughter Berkeley in September. He hasn’t worried much about losing sleep, even in the heart of Inter Miami’s season, preferring to spend precious hours in the night with their baby.

“I’m ready for everything. I’m burping her. I’m changing diapers. I’m rocking her to sleep. Pretty much anything I can do to support my wife, I’ll do that because just going through that experience of birth is a lot,” Callender said. “I really can’t complain anymore. She brought her in here, alright, whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it.”

Callender also plays his role on a team full of superstars.

Messi and Luis Suarez became the first pair of teammates in MLS history to each score 20 goals in a season.

Busquets, arguably the greatest midfielder of all time, plays as a back-line defender so rookie Yannick Bright can play Inter Miami’s midfield.

Jordi Alba, considered one of the best left-back defenders in the sport, plays a crucial role creatively on offense and scored the game-deciding goal of Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta during their first playoff game last week.

And Callender is the last line of defense for Inter Miami, a club on track for an historic year in pursuit of the MLS Cup title to cap Messi’s first full season with the team.

“I think we’re on a forward trajectory and we’re just viewing these plays as another opportunity to get another trophy and to prove why we got the Supporters’ Shield,” Callender said. “The place you want to be in this league is in the playoffs, and that’s where we are. So, we’re just going to do our best to win games.”

The New York Giants were trailing by 14 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 8 when running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. broke a 45-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to eight.

The Giants then did what many NFL teams have begun to do when down by that margin in the age of analytics. They attempted a 2-point conversion after the play hoping to cut the deficit to six points.

The gamble didn’t pay off, as New York failed to execute what would have been a slick, trick play on the try.

Giants 2-point conversion vs. Steelers

The Giants split most of their offense out wide on the 2-point attempt. Daniel Jones was protected in the pocket by just two offensive linemen and a tight end but quickly fired the snap to Malik Nabers on the left side of the formation.

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Nabers had a convoy of blockers in front of him. There were just a few Steelers defenders standing between him and the end-zone, so he should have had a chance to earn a walk-in score.

Instead, Nabers couldn’t catch the ball, as Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith barreled into him just as it reached him. The Giants had failed to block him on the play.

The usually stoic Jones was visibly frustrated going to the sidelines after the play. He was animated as he undid his helmet strap and jawed briefly with Brian Daboll on the sidelines as the duo discussed what had gone wrong.

Brian Daboll explains Giants’ 2-point conversion failure

So, what went wrong?

”Motor’ (Devin Singletary) was actually checking with the official to make sure he was on the line of scrimmage, and Daniel saw the look that we needed to get to where we were just gonna throw the ball out there to Malik,’ Daboll explained. ‘We had a bunch of blockers, but he was talking to the official when Daniel snapped it and threw it out there. They only had two guys out there and the guy blew right by him.’

Singletary wasn’t the only Giants player seemingly not ready for the snap. None of the team’s blockers moved until after the ball was thrown, allowing Highsmith to easily break through a gap in the formation without being touched to deny the try.

Daboll didn’t seem to blame any particular party for the play breaking down. He noted that Jones was supposed to snap the ball quickly to catch the Steelers off-guard.

‘They were getting set. We weren’t set, and the one guy out there – there was two guys out there and a bunch of guys inside – saw the ball being snapped and beat us to the punch,’ Daboll admitted.

The 2-point try’s failure added an additional obstacle in New York’s quest to overcome the 14-point fourth-quarter deficit it faced against Pittsburgh.

Still, the Giants still had a chance to mount a game-tying touchdown drive in the game’s final minute. They made it 58 of the needed 93 yards down the field before Jones tossed a game-ending interception to undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. with 34 seconds left in regulation.

For the second time in less than a week, a starting quarterback has medically retired from college football due to concussions.

On Monday evening, Michigan football quarterback Jack Tuttle announced his retirement from the sport on social media due to his fifth sustained concussion. Tuttle missed the Wolverines’ 24-17 victory over rival Michigan State after being listed as ‘out’ on Michigan’s availability report.

Despite retiring from playing the sport, Tuttle assured the Michigan fateful that he would stay with the program. Last Wednesday, North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall announced his retirement from the sport.

‘Today, I am announcing my retirement from college football. This decision, though difficult, comes after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my family, doctors, and loved ones,’ Tuttle wrote on his Instagram. ‘I want to thank Coach Moore, the staff and my teammates – I love all of you guys. I will continue to help Team 145 as we prepare for the rest of the season.

‘Though closing this chapter is unfortunate, my passion for football will always be a part of me. I am committed to finding a different role in the game and plan to pursue a role in coaching.’

Tuttle’s last appearance on the football field was a start against Illinois on Oct. 19, in a 21-7 loss for Michigan. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 208 yards and an interception against the Fighting Illini, and he was sacked five times. He finished his Michigan career with 45 of 67 passing for 436 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across eight games.

Tuttle, 25, attended Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, before signing with Utah as a four-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class. He was the No. 167 overall player, No. 8 pro-style quarterback and the No. 25 player in California, according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields were also in the 2018 recruiting class.

After redshirting in his lone season with the Utes, Tuttle entered the transfer portal and transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2019 season. He appeared in 15 games over four years with the Hoosiers, completing 104 of 182 passes for 901 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. Tuttle backed up Michael Penix Jr. during his time with Indiana.

Following the 2022 season, Tuttle transferred to Michigan and was a backup to J.J. McCarthy on last year’s national championship team for the Wolverines. After being granted a seventh year of eligibility due to medical redshirts.

Tuttle spent this offseason recovering from an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament, which prevented him from battling with Davis Warren and Alex Orji for the starting position. However, he worked his way to the starting role vs. Washington on Oct. 5 after offensive struggles for the team.

Tuttle pointed to the injuries throughout his career as a major factor in his decision to retire from the sport, also disclosing the concussion he sustained.

‘This past year has been challenging, marked by a UCL repair in my throwing arm that I didn’t fully recover from, which has caused ongoing issues,’ Tuttle said. ‘And unfortunately, the recent experience of enduring my fifth concussion has brought forth the painful truth: that I need to start prioritizing my health.

‘Throughout my college career, I’ve battled numerous injuries, culminating in this difficult choice to step away from playing the game that I love.’

For the 12-team CFP, chaos isn’t a pit. It’s a ladder. Who’s ready to climb?
SEC, Big Ten are best positioned for the most qualifiers, but several ACC, Big 12 teams remain in the hunt.
How’s this for chaos: Georgia is ranked No. 1 by the CFP after November, but doesn’t qualify for SEC championship game

One of the most conniving characters in modern television once said that chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.

Littlefinger would’ve enjoyed this 12-team College Football Playoff era.

Up you climb, Indiana.

Grab a rung, Army.

Don’t you dare get comfortable, Oregon, because the higher you climb, the more it hurts if you fall.

Oh, and just as a reminder: Spoiler alert, the conniving Littlefinger got himself killed off before the end of “Game of Thrones.”

So, yeah, chaos is both a pit and a ladder.

Who’s ready to climb and least likely to fall in the 12-team CFP? Let’s set the table for the season’s final month with this view of the chess board and how the weeks leading up to Selection Sunday might become particularly chaotic.

ACC

Frontrunners: Miami, Clemson

Also in playoff contention: Pittsburgh, SMU

Chaos scenario: Miami, Clemson and SMU win out before the ACC championship game. In that situation, Miami becomes 12-0, and Clemson and SMU are 11-1, each with a non-conference loss. Tiebreakers would determine the title game matchup. Let’s say the Hurricanes lose in that ACC championship, so you’ve got Miami, Clemson and SMU each with one loss. Does the committee make room for all three? Two? One?

Best guess: While positioned for anywhere from one to three bids, split the difference. I predict two qualifiers, with Miami positioned best for qualification.

Big Ten

Frontrunner: Oregon

Also in playoff contention: Penn State, Ohio State, Indiana

Chaos scenario: Oregon gets upset once in November. Ohio State beats Penn State and Indiana in November clashes. All four go 11-1, with a single conference loss apiece by the end of the regular season. The committee will struggle to find room for all four.

Best guess: If Ohio State loses to Penn State and Indiana, then it’s easy: The Buckeyes become the odd-man out. If OSU splits with those two teams, then the team that loses to the Buckeyes becomes vulnerable. If Ohio State beats both Penn State and Indiana, then the committee will face a tough choice between the Nittany Lions and Hoosiers, and it could boil down to comparing margin of defeat against the Buckeyes..

I predict three qualifiers, with Oregon best positioned for qualification.

Big 12

Frontrunners: Brigham Young, Iowa State

Also in playoff contention: Kansas State, Colorado

Chaos scenario: Kansas State beats Iowa State in November to earn a Big 12 championship game spot opposite BYU, then hands the Cougars their first defeat to capture the auto bid. That leaves ISU and BYU with just a single defeat each to K-State, and neither played each other.

Best guess: Of the Power Four conferences, the Big 12 is most vulnerable to being limited to one bid. BYU and Iowa State advancing into the Big 12 championship game with undefeated records would give the conference its best shot at multiple bids.

I predict one qualifier, with BYU best positioned for qualification.

SEC

Frontrunners: Georgia, Texas A&M

Also in playoff contention: Texas, Tennessee, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss

Chaos scenarios: Now, we’re entering especially murky waters. The SEC retains seven playoff contenders. In one chaos scenario, Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss and the winner of the Alabama-LSU game on Nov. 9 all finish 10-2. Six teams with the same record. Realistically, the playoff doesn’t house room for six SEC qualifiers. Good luck sorting out that mess.

In another bizarre scenario, Texas A&M, LSU and Georgia go undefeated in November. Georgia almost certainly would be ranked highest in the CFP rankings – perhaps as high as No. 1 or No. 2 – but the Aggies would be undefeated in SEC play, while LSU and Georgia suffered one conference loss apiece. SEC championship tiebreakers would favor LSU. The Tigers would head to Atlanta for the conference championship game, while Georgia sits home, ineligible for a first-round playoff bye.

Best guess: Gosh, how to make sense of this? Let’s revisit after Nov. 9, when Alabama-LSU and Georgia-Ole Miss play. That day has the potential to add clarity to the playoff race … or make the situation even more chaotic.

I predict four qualifiers, with Georgia and Texas A&M positioned best for qualification.

Group of Five

Frontrunner: Boise State

Also in playoff contention: Army, UNLV, Navy, Memphis, Louisiana-Lafayette, Tulane

Chaos scenario: Colorado State, which suffered three non-conference losses, goes undefeated in Mountain West play and wins the conference championship. That probably would push the Group of Five bid in the direction of the American or the Sun Belt champion.

Best guess: Boise State handles its business. I predict one qualifier: the Mountain West champion.

Independent

In playoff contention: Notre Dame

Chaos scenario: The Irish suffer a second loss. So, they’re out, right? Hold on: Texas A&M wins the SEC championship. What now? Although Notre Dame would have a squishy résumé, it would boast a road win against the SEC’s champ.

Best guess: The Irish win out and qualify as an at-large selection.

Best-guess total tally for the 12-team field: Four SEC, three Big Ten, two ACC, one Big 12, one Group of Five, one independent.

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