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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT NOVEMBER 25: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes escapes a tackle attempt by Daniel Talley #28 of the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

Colorado at No. 7 Utah (Nov. 30)

After beating Washington on Nov. 2, a strong argument could be made that the Utah Utes can now coast to the end of the regular season and eye the Pac-12 Championship Game, likely a date with the Oregon Ducks. The Utes’ final three games are all against in-conference opponents that are below .500 for the 2019 season.

Playing further into that narrative is how well Utah has played almost all season. Sitting at 8-1, Kyle Whittingham’s team has established themselves as one of the elite defensive groups in the country, allowing 12.2 points per game. With Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley providing the offense with a dynamic punch as well, they seem like a mismatch for rival Colorado.

While that may be true and while the season-finale may be at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the Buffaloes have shown — albeit sporadically — that Steven Montez and the offense can explode at any moment. And with the potential for the Utes to be looking ahead to the likely matchup with Oregon, this one could be dangerous for Utah.

No. 14 Wisconsin at No. 8 Minnesota (Nov. 30)

We’re back to the Minnesota Golden Gophers and for good reason. Their win over Penn State showed that they are not a team to be overlooked and they could indeed prove that again (and should) on the road against Iowa in Week 12. But after a date with Northwestern in Week 13, they finish their season against rival Wisconsin.

If Minnesota is going to stay alive with potential to make the College Football Playoff, this is their most crucial matchup of the season. Not only is it a rivalry game against a ranked opponent but it’s a game where they can prove just how impressive they can be prior to likely facing Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Jonathan Taylor and Wisconsin have undoubtedly shown that they aren’t a perfect team but they are a group that knows their identity and can win against good teams playing their brand of football. What they have struggled to do, largely due to Jack Coan‘s limitations, is keep up with high-powered offenses. The Golden Gophers have had no issue putting up points and, if they can do it again and dominate the Badgers, they’re going to give the committee a tough decision.

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