Two-loss LSU is fifth, which would seem to mean the Tigers are in prime position to take advantage of Ohio State or Michigan picking up its first loss this weekend and/or TCU failing to win out.
USC is No. 6 after beating UCLA (No. 18 this week), and the Trojans get another test this week with No. 15 Notre Dame.
Like the one-loss Trojans, No. 8 Clemson has one loss and a shot at making the playoff with some help if it finishes with a rivalry win this week (against South Carolina) and in its conference championship game.
Alabama is ninth this week while Tennessee is 10th after being throttled by South Carolina last week, ending the Volunteers’ hopes of sneaking into the final four if they got help.
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