Paul Finebaum considers if Michigan, Florida State are 'fool's gold' after Week 12

With one week left in the regular season and then conference championships, there’s only two opportunities left for the playoff contenders to separate themselves as one of the four best. However, before those games even take place, Paul Finebaum has two teams in mind that might not be what they seem.

Finebaum named two challengers who he views as potential “fool’s gold” during ‘McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning’ on Monday. He started with No. 3 Michigan if for no other reason than they haven’t looked as great without their head coach and, admittedly, as their sign-stealing narrative has continued on. He did cut them some slack, though, as the Wolverines do have a prime opportunity to prove him wrong.

“I’m tempted to say Michigan,” said Finebaum. “Maybe we’ve seen Michigan without Jim Harbaugh. And perhaps – I say perhaps – without the advantage of knowing what the other school’s plays are. I know that’s a common response.”

“That will take care of itself on Saturday in Ann Arbor,” added Finebaum.

Beyond the Wolverines, Finebaum selected Florida State as the team that he thinks could demonstrate that they’re a bit fake. To be fair, much of that is due to the devastating loss of Jordan Travis. Still, he said his eyes will be aimed at The Swamp this weekend to see if the Seminoles justify their candidacy without their QB1.

“The school I’m probably worried the most about is Florida State. Not so much this week but maybe next week and, certainly, in the playoffs – assuming they get in,” Fineabaum said. “I mean they lost not only the quarterback but their team leader, somebody who’s essential to them.”

“I’m eager to watch the game in Gainesville just to see what they look like,” said Finebaum.

Entering the final weekend of the season, Michigan and Florida State are a combined 22-0. Even so, both now have significant concerns surrounding them. For the Wolverines, it’s continuing carrying their emotional weight into a must-win scenario against their bitter rival. For the ‘Noles, it’s confirming their worth with Tate Rodemaker as the starter rather than Travis.

Now, from here, it’s on both to silence any potential doubt, from Finebaum or not, in order to potentially claim their places for the College Football Playoff.

2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Odds updated ahead of Week 13

The latest College Football Playoff national championship odds were updated ahead of Week 13, the final weekend of the regular season.

There’s a new favorite among us. Bark if you heard that before. Bad jokes aside, a familiar face is the favorite to win it all – again.

Georgia (+230)
Michigan (+280)
Ohio State (+500)
Oregon (+650)
Alabama (+750)
Washington (+1,300)
Texas (+1,400)
Florida State (+3,000)
Louisville (+17,000)
Iowa (+100,000)
Oklahoma (+100,000)