30 games that will eventually decide the 12-team College Football Playoff

Every year, a few games change the scope and brevity of the race towards the College Football Playoff. This year, one game already made a major impact, and these 30 others should give us a look into who will participate in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) celebrates a tackle against Ohio State. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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8. Notre Dame vs. USC: Nov. 30

This might seem high for a USC game, but at this point in the season, we know exactly who this team is. Did Riley finally get the most out of this roster? Will he see positive movement in development after moving back to those Midwest opponents?

Truly, the USC season falls on the hype around Miller Moss. In a world where everyone (outside apparently Miller Moss and Arch Manning) are licking their chops to get to the transfer portal, USC was able to retain Moss behind a Heisman winner and the most talented quarterback not in the NFL. The former four-star prospect is finally getting his shot after three years of waiting.

If Moss is as good as advertised, then the defense is going to be the biggest question mark for the Trojans. That’s where this one gets interesting. Notre Dame’s defense speaks for itself, but if Moss can at least get a few cracks in, most will believe Notre Dame’s offense led by transfer Riely Leonard. His decision to head to South Bend sets Notre Dame up to remain a contender as Sam Hartman tries to make an NFL roster.

This rivalry has brought us some of our best recent college football memories. This game should be no different. Both teams face some of the hardest schedules in football. This will be a dog fight, whether in terms of shot-for-shot offense or a defensive grind that keeps it close.

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