Three games that will have an impact on the College Football Playoff

With the regular season almost complete, a College Football Playoff picture is beginning to emerge. The stakes increase week by week as defeat can knock many teams out of the competition.

As we count down to Selection Day on Sunday, December 8, here are three games in Week 14 that could have the biggest impact on the College Football Playoff.

*All rankings are from the College Football Playoff poll

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Week 14

No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M

This is an important game for both programs as it will determine which team will face Georgia for the SEC Championship.

There’s obviously a lot at stake for the Aggies. Their only realistic path to the playoffs is an SEC Championship win, which means they have to beat Texas. However, despite their sparkling No. 3 ranking, the Longhorns could fall out of the top 12 with a loss to Texas A&M. If Steve Sarkisian’s team loses, Texas wouldn’t have a single win over a team in the top 25. Texas hasn’t played three of the top four SEC teams behind it, and the only one it has played (Georgia) has lost at 15 at home.

As surprising as it may sound, this interstate rivalry game could turn into a playoff game for both teams.

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No. 5 Notre Dame in Southern Cal

After Notre Dame defeated previously undefeated Army, one would think that if the Irish go with one loss – even to Northern Illinois – they would be in the playoffs. But two defeats? The Trojans have been underwhelming this season, but all five losses have been by one or three points or less.

Now, Notre Dame has been on the rise since the loss at Northern Illinois. It would be surprising, but it looks like the historic stars could make a case for the Trojans to end the Irish’s playoff hopes.

No. 8 Tennessee at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has been eliminated from playoff contention. Tennessee is not, and the Commodores would love nothing more than to end their in-state rival’s postseason hopes with a third loss. Vanderbilt proved capable with a win over Alabama and a close loss to Texas, and the Vols have no margin for error after a loss to Georgia in Week 12.

Vandy looked weak this season, losing 8-3 to a Georgia State team in mid-September, but turned things around a few weeks later and beat No. 1 Alabama. The Vols will certainly come out on top in this matchup, but the Commodores can hang with some of the best on the right day.

The Vols have outscored Vandy 219-72 during their five-game winning streak against the Commodores. After going winless in the SEC last season (0-8), Vanderbilt football alum and head coach Clark Lea believes he has the team to end that streak this year and finish the regular season in first place.

It may not be likely, but I would keep an eye on the field goal post in Nashville in Week 14.