Kansas State coach Chris Klieman backs TCU for CFP spot: 'They’re one of the best four teams'

TCU potentially put their College Football Playoff hopes in jeopardy on Saturday, losing to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship game. Now, talking heads will debate between the Horned Frogs and the likes of Alabama/Ohio State. However, to Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman, there is no debate on if TCU should be making the playoffs.

Klieman called TCU one of the four best teams in college football after the game, saying they still deserve a spot in the CFP. He did get an opportunity to face off against them twice this season, winning the more important one in Arlington.

“TCU should be in the CFP,” Klieman said. “They’re one of the best four teams.”

TCU spent all season playing good football, being a rare undefeated team in the Big 12. Even during Lincoln Riley’s run at Oklahoma, they were never able to end the regular season without something in the loss column.

Heading into the game, many thought Sonny Dyke’s team would be safe, no matter the result. Especially if it was an overtime loss after a heroic effort from quarterback Max Duggan. While many are now asking questions, Klieman does not believe the CFP committee has a tough choice on Sunday.

Now, we await the final decision from Grapevine, as the four teams will be announced Sunday morning.

How TCU loss potentially shakes up CFP

Christmas might have come early for Alabama and Ohio State. Following No. 3 TCU‘s 31-28 loss to No. 10 Kansas State in the Big-12 Championship, two spots in the College Football Playoff may have opened up in the past 24 hours.

Currently, the Buckeyes rank one spot ahead of the Tide. After No. 4 USC lost the Pac-12 Championship game to No. 11 Utah Friday night, the Buckeyes theoretically moved into the No. 4 slot, and Alabama could sit at No. 5.

Despite TCU’s overtime loss, there is speculation that the Horned Frogs could still find themselves slotted at No. 4 when it’s all said and done. The Wildcats are a top-10 team, but it might not be likely for the committee to see a one-loss TCU team more attractive than a one-loss Ohio State team or even a two-loss Alabama.

Regardless if the Horned Frogs were to make the field of four despite losing to Kansas State, at least one of the two college football powerhouses is guaranteed to find themselves in the playoffs.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.