Joel Klatt details scenario where Pac-12 champion Oregon gets left out of College Football Playoff

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt revealed a scenario where Oregon could get left out of the College Football Playoff even if the Ducks win the Pac-12.

The way this would happen is in the instance of Alabama beating Georgia. From there, it gets weird and there’s a raging debate.

Simply put, there might not be a place for Oregon based on several factors.

“I think there is a scenario where Oregon gets left out,” Klatt said on The Herd. “I’m just gonna paint the picture … Michigan wins, Alabama wins, Oregon wins, Texas wins. Okay? They’re not leaving the SEC champion out. That means Alabama is in … Guess who goes in for sure because of that? Texas, they beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa. That leaves one spot (between) Oregon (and) Georgia.” 

When you break it down like that, that assumes the committee would automatically include Texas because of the Longhorns’ head-to-head win over Alabama. That’s been a hot topic of debate due to Alabama being a much better team now compared to September.

In this scenario, Oregon has to look at No. 1 Michigan, then No. 2 and 3 with Alabama and Texas in whatever order. The No. 4 spot comes down to Oregon and Georgia.

Could Oregon miss College Football Playoff even with win?

By the way, Klatt did not mention Florida State. If FSU wins, the Seminoles are undefeated and add to the argument, only because Jordan Travis was lost for the season otherwise this would be a moot point.

So Klatt assumes Florida State isn’t a part of the equation, even with a win, which is also up for debate depending upon who you ask.

But getting back to the scenario involving Oregon of course. Klatt pointed out the CFP’s latest top 25 rankings, starting with Tennessee back in at No. 21. By the way, Utah is out of the top 25.

“By the way, the committee did not include Utah in the top 25, which is a vital piece to their resume. If they were trying to compete with Georgia, who does get a piece of that resume because guess what the committee has done at the back end of the rankings? Tennessee weirdly, No. 21. Utah, not ranked,” Klatt said. “I’m just telling you there is a chance that Oregon gets left out.”

Utah had some quality wins this year and finished 8-4 amid so many injuries. Tennessee also finished 8-4 but some question if the Volunteers were a top 25 at this point.

Based on resumes, Georgia might have a better argument than Oregon, despite not having a conference title. Klatt also didn’t mention the Bulldogs’ win over Ole Miss, ranked No. 11. Plus, Oregon would split with Washington this season.

If Oregon gets to this scenario, Ducks fans might need to hold on tight.