Stormin in Norman
Fansided

Oklahoma football: Key games for the Sooners’ CFP hopes

By Christopher Dukes

LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 22: Steven Parker #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners intercepts a pass during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 22, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 22: Steven Parker #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners intercepts a pass during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 22, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 2
Next

Oklahoma moved up to No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

Though there are still two teams between the Sooners and a potential third trip to the CFP, Oklahoma’s path isn’t that complicated. Other than winning out themselves (which is a given) here are the key games the Sooners need to go their way to get a shot at the belt over the next three weeks.

Nov. 10

Florida State at Notre Dame

This Saturday the Seminoles visit the Irish in prime time. This game between college football bluebloods isn’t the tasty matchup it would be in most years, but there is still talent on the Florida State roster and the Irish have been far from dominant in their last few outings. Sooner fans have to hope Florida State has an upset left in it.

Mississippi State at Alabama

The Bulldogs are probably a bit overrated at No. 16, but they have been a problematic matchup for the Crimson Tide in the past. However, even if Mississippi State did manage to pull off the improbable, Alabama may be too far ahead of the field to even drop out of the top four with a loss. It could, however, put in motion a nightmare scenario for the SEC where a two-loss champion ends up winning the conference.

Michigan State at Ohio State

Yes, technically the Buckeyes are behind Oklahoma at this point, but the committee has a history of jumping Ohio State over a Big 12 Champion in the last week of the season and the Buckeyes still have a home date with Michigan to boost their resume. Oklahoma may need a two-loss Big 10 Champion to jump ahead of them in the playoff chase. Sparty celebrating in the Horseshoe would be the first step to accomplishing this.

Georgia at Auburn

The Tigers handed the Bulldogs a whooping at home last year before falling to them in the SEC Championship game. This year’s Auburn team doesn’t quite carry the same weight as last year’s, but make no mistake, there’s still not many teams that want to make the trip to Auburn in November.

Home/Oklahoma Sooners