Cincinnati Doesn't Control It's Own CFB Playoff Destiny

Fans of underdogs and "the little guy" rejoiced this week when the College Football Playoff committee ranked the Cincinnati Bearcats at No. 4 in their official rankings, which would put them inside the playoff if the season ended today. They would become the first "Group of 5" team to make the playoff since it began in 2014.

Unfortunately, the season doesn't end today and even if they win out, Cincinnati could still be on the outside looking in by the time the selections are made official.

Here are the latest college football rankings and the latest odds to win the national championship via WynnBET.

College Football Playoff Rankings and National Championship Odds

1. Georgia -130
2. Ohio State +350
3. Alabama +350
4. Cincinnati +2500
5. Notre Dame +8000
6. Michigan +4000
7. Oklahoma State +4000
8. Ole Miss N/A
9. Baylor N/A
10. Oklahoma +4000

Who Will Make the College Football Playoff?

Three of the four College Football Playoff spots are likely all locked up. No. 1 Georgia will be in even if it loses the SEC Championship, and Alabama will likely make it even if the Crimson Tide falls to Georgia. The winner in this weekend's game between Michigan and Ohio State will likely take up the third spot.

That leave the fourth and final seed. Cincinnati holds it right now, but there are candidates who could leap frog them.

If Oklahoma State can win in Bedlam this week against Oklahoma, and then go on to win the Big 12 Championship, the Cowboys will likely be given the nod at 12-1 over the undefeated Bearcats. The same goes for the Sooners. Despite being No. 10 in the rankings, a big win over No. 7 Oklahoma State and then a Big 12 Championship will likely earn them a berth in the playoff.

Cincinnati will need the winner of the Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State rivalry game to lose in the Big 12 championship game, which is an unlikely outcome.

Even if that does happen, is there a chance that the committee will give Notre Dame the nod, despite losing to Cincinnati at home? It's possible, as it seems like the playoff committee wants to do anything possible to keep a Group of 5 team out of the national semi-finals.

The Bearcats are in for now, but Cincinnati fans should be realistic about their chances down the stretch.