Paul Finebaum Names Three SEC Schools On The Brink Of The College Football Playoff

The upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff is approaching. However, the playoff picture has become muddied due to several unexpected losses in recent weeks.

This season, teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, Ole Miss Rebels, Missouri Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have all suffered losses despite being the higher-ranked team. Four of these teams lost to unranked opponents while they were ranked in the top five in the country.

During the "Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network discussed several teams on the brink of making the playoffs this season. Finebaum believes Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss are among those teams, but a loss could complicate their chances.

"There are a number of schools who are on the brink right now," Finebaum said. "I'll include Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss. This weekend will certainly be a key factor for Ole Miss. If Ole Miss loses this game Saturday at Tiger Stadium, their chances of getting to the CFP are diminished dramatically."

Ole Miss still has games against three ranked teams, including this weekend's matchup against the No. 13 LSU Tigers. Alabama faces the toughest road with four such games, while Tennessee has the easiest schedule, playing only two ranked teams.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), Alabama has a 70.9% chance of making the College Football Playoff, while Ole Miss has a 54.8% chance and Tennessee has a 47.1% chance. All three teams are ranked in the top 11 in the country.

The trio will play on Saturday. Alabama will play against the South Carolina Gamecocks at noon ET on ABC. Tennessee will have a rivalry matchup against the Florida Gators at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, and Ole Miss will take on LSU at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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