Honestly i think its just Ohio State.
We win a conference championship and notch another high quality win against OU and i think thats enough for the committee to bump us over A&M. OSU's only real claim to be in right now is that theyre undefeated, so if they lose they're out and we then slide in.
Conversely if clemson loses a close one to Notre Dame i could see them just getting slid down to #4 (the way they barely moved Florida this week sends a bit of a message there).
Yeah, we need Ohio State eliminated from the conversation. Do not give them a chance with the committee.
Notre Dame "proving it" against Clemson with Lawrence would be the best outcome for us, though, even if not 100% necessary for us to have a case or a shot at it. It would just create another open berth.
In that world, you have Alabama and Notre Dame for sure and these groups lobbying for the last two slots...
Clemson = 9-2 with two losses to ND but hey guys we've been really good the last decade
Ohio State = 5-1 yeah we only played six games and we lost one of them but come on we're Ohio State
Texas A&M = 7-1, really good season, but already lost to Alabama and didn't win their division
Iowa State = 9-2 with a Big 12 championship, one okayish early season loss and then a close one to Oky St.
Florida = 8-3 or 9-2, might have a case for a slot if they beat Alabama and are SEC champions at 9-2
I suppose these two would make an argument, as well, but I think it is clear the committee doesn't care...
Cincinnati = 8-0 another iteration of the UCF problem
Coastal Carolina = 11-0 another version of this only with an even weaker schedule
I am surprised there isn't at least even *a little* buzz for what could be a 6-0 Southern Cal, too.
I think we'd be one of the stronger options on that menu, but this could get
very contentious.