College Football Playoff: 12 remaining games that will decide Top 4

College Football Playoff: The 12 remaining games that will decide the Top 4

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins (2) runs with the ball during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) and the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball during the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on September 23, 2017 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 6 Oregon at Arizona State (Nov. 23)

Given the games that have been included in this list to this point, seeing the No. 6-ranked Oregon Ducks going on the road to face the Arizona State Sun Devils, a team that currently sits at 5-4 for the season, might seem an odd inclusion. However, if the Ducks are going to have a shot at the College Football Playoff, this matchup is crucial.

As much of a rollercoaster as Arizona State has been throughout this season, the talent the Sun Devils possess is undeniable. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Eno Benjamin have been inconsistent but have flashed electric playmaking. Moreover, the defense has played at an extremely high level at various points throughout the season.

In addition to this matchup being sneaky tough, though, this also has the makings of a trap game for the Ducks. The trip to Tempe lies right before their Civil War rivalry game with Oregon State, which could undoubtedly have them looking past a team they’re better than. To keep CFP hopes alive, Oregon can’t fall victim to the trap.

Texas A&M at No. 1 LSU (Nov. 30)

Following their triumph over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, you could make the argument that the No. 1-ranked LSU Tigers have weathered the storm of their schedule and should be out on the other side. However, a rivalry matchup in the final week of the regular season against the Texas A&M Aggies would say otherwise.

A season ago, the battle between LSU and Texas A&M was one of the wildest college football games in recent memory, lasting seven overtimes before the Aggies finally earned the thrilling victory over the rival Tigers.

Make no mistake, Joe Burrow and LSU are infinitely better and more dangerous than they were a year ago and, frankly, Kellen Mond and Texas A&M look worse than they were last year. While that may be true, the Tigers can’t rest on their laurels and expect an easy win in the final week of the regular season, particularly with the perils of looking ahead to the SEC Championship Game in play.

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