Most college football teams have one game left this season unless they make it the conference championship game, leaving them few chances to impress the College Football Playoff Committee. 

Here are some possible scenarios for the contenders to make it to the playoff. 

Georgia (11-0) – At this point, after beating Georgia Tech (which is very likely), they probably still secure a spot even if they lose in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship game. 

Ohio State (10-1) – With a loss against Oregon early in the season, Ohio State needs to keep winning. Beating Michigan and then winning the Big Ten championship game will guarantee a spot for Ohio State. If they beat Michigan and then lose in the Big Ten championship game, it will depend on how other contenders do, but they would likely be out. 

Alabama (10-1) – Alabama has many scenarios. If they beat Auburn and Georgia in the SEC championship game, they’re in. But what if they lose against Auburn and beat Georgia in the SEC championship game? My guess is that they are still going to be in. With a name value and the SEC champion title, the CFP committee will not leave Alabama out.  

What if Alabama beats Auburn and then loses in the SEC championship game? In this case, Alabama would need some help. Georgia and the Big Ten champion (if it is Ohio State or Michigan) will be in, leaving two spots. If Cincinnati is undefeated and there’s a one loss Big 12 champion (Oklahoma State or Oklahoma), will Alabama get a chance?  

Michigan – Similar to Ohio State, they need to win against Ohio State and capture the Big Ten championship game. If they lose against Ohio State, then they are out. 

Cincinnati – This is another tricky situation. Even if they go undefeated, there is a chance that they could be left out. The worst scenario would be Georgia losing against Alabama in the SEC championship game, which could put both Georgia and Alabama in. If the Big Ten champion is a one-loss Michigan or Ohio State and the Big 12 champion is a one-loss Oklahoma State, Cincinnati may be out. The best scenario for Cincinnati is Georgia beating Alabama so that only one SEC team is in. If either Michigan or Ohio State loses in the Big Ten championship game or there is a two loss Big 12 champion, Cincinnati would be in as well. 

Notre Dame – I think there is a chance for the Irish, but it would take some luck. Georgia beating Alabama (if Auburn beats Alabama first, that would be even better), Wisconsin as the Big Ten champion (Notre Dame has a head-to-head advantage), Cincinnati loses a game somehow, and there’s a two loss Big 12 champion. The most realistic scenario is going to be Georgia, Big Ten champion (either Michigan or Ohio State), Cincinnati, and then the last spot for Notre Dame. 

Oklahoma State – This is simply because Oklahoma State is ranked higher in the most recent CFP ranking. Similar to Notre Dame’s path, Georgia winning the SEC, having a two loss Big Ten champion, and both Cincinnati and Notre Dame lose will give Oklahoma State a spot. The most realistic scenario is going to be Georgia, Big Ten champion (either Michigan or Ohio State), Cincinnati, and the last spot for Oklahoma State. I believe that if they become a one loss Big 12 champion, they will make it. 

Oregon – OK, this is tough. I do not know how far the CFP committee will rank them after the devastating loss against Utah. They basically need Georgia to win the SEC, Alabama possibly losing twice (against Auburn and Georgia), Wisconsin winning the Big Ten, Cincinnati and Notre Dame lose a game, and there is a two loss Big 12 champion. Basically, Oregon needs everyone to lose.