Why 3-loss LSU and Missouri could still make the College Football Playoff

LSU’s route depends on wins

LSU has three games remaining, including two against ranked opponents. Winning all three would leave the Tigers with four ranked victories, a résumé the committee could find difficult to overlook.

Two of LSU’s losses came against Top 10 teams Ole Miss and Alabama. The article also notes that Kentucky, which beat LSU in overtime in early October, was ranked No. 6 this week.

The case for LSU rests on the committee’s earlier rankings. If it excluded a 9-3 LSU team for an insufficient résumé, the article argues, it would also call into question its high rankings of Alabama and Kentucky.

Missouri faces a demanding finish

Missouri also has two Top 10 opponents among its last three games. Wins over those teams, Oklahoma and Florida would make the Tigers’ case harder for the committee to dismiss.

The article cautions that Missouri has not often produced that many upsets in a single season. Coach Eli Drinkwitz’s team would need a strong finish to remain in contention.

A possible final-place contest

If both teams win their remaining games, LSU and Missouri could be competing for the final place in the 12-team playoff. They do not have a head-to-head tiebreaker.

The article gives LSU the résumé advantage by one ranked victory. Missouri’s chances would therefore depend on its results and how the committee weighs each team’s record and schedule.