College Football Playoffs: Who the top teams should want at No. 4

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The fourth and final spot of the College Football Playoffs always will be hotly debated and it is turning out to be true again in 2018. Georgia replaced Michigan in that spot when the CFP ranking was released on Tuesday night, but that likely is only temporary until the final ranking is released on Sunday.

If Georgia upsets Alabama in the SEC championship game on Saturday, the Dawgs are in the playoff – and the playoff picture becomes quite chaotic.

But let's assume that all the favorites win on Saturday. This year's final debate will be centered around a pair of one-loss, conference champion, heavyweight programs for the final spot.

Oklahoma or Ohio State? The Sooners were No. 5 on Tuesday night with the Buckeyes at No. 6. But nothing is promised to Oklahoma for Sunday's final ranking, even if both win on Saturday.

We take a look at which team the three playoff locks – Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame – would want to see in that scenario. And to be fair, we included Georgia just in case it pulls off the upset, although Alabama would likely become the fourth playoff team in that situation.

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Who would the Tide rather see? Ohio State

"I’m not sure if Alabama is really concerned with either team as both defenses would have a hard time limiting Tua Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide’s high-powered attack. With that being said, the only way either team would pull off an upset would be through a shootout. I think Kyler Murray could cause some fits for Alabama’s defense, and if Oklahoma was able to force a few turnovers and catch a few breaks throughout the game, it might be able to make things interesting." – Tony Tsoukalas, BamaInsider.com

Who would the Tigers rather see? Ohio State

"If you took a poll of Clemson fans I'm guessing Ohio State would be the preferred opponent. Yes, the Tigers owned Oklahoma in 2014 and 2015 bowl drubbings. But the Sooners' offense has to scare the daylights out of Clemson fans, particularly after Jake Bentley and South Carolina carved up the Tigers' defense a few days ago. Ohio State just seems more dysfunctional. And, boy, do Clemson fans salivate at the thought of giving Urban Meyer another beatdown as a possible retirement gift. Coupled with a large pizza delivered to his locker room after the game." – Larry Williams, TigerIllustrated.com

Who would the Irish rather see? Ohio State

"Oklahoma and Ohio State are very similar teams in that both have explosive, high-scoring offenses and both have a very hard time stopping who they play from scoring. Personally I believe Ohio State is more deserving of a playoff bid for a host of reasons, and I also think that Ohio State is the best matchup for Notre Dame.

"Defensively, both teams have struggled with teams that spread the ball and run tempo, so Notre Dame should be able to score a lot of points on either team, although the Ohio State front is better than Oklahoma’s.

"The Fighting Irish defense has been built around an elite defensive line that can get after the quarterback, and both the Buckeyes and Sooners have elite quarterbacks. Oklahoma has one of the best offensive lines in the country while the Buckeye blockers have been inconsistent this season. That would make the Buckeyes the more favorable matchup for Notre Dame." – Bryan Driskell, BlueAndGold.com

Who would the Bulldogs rather see? Oklahoma

"If you were to ask Kirby Smart or Georgia's players it wouldn't matter. The Bulldogs certainly have plenty of muscle memory when it comes to Oklahoma after beating the Sooners in the Rose Bowl, although I'm not sure if the prospect of having to face Kyler Murray would be a particularly comforting thought. However, with the fact Oklahoma's defense has had so many issues stopping people, I'll say the Sooners. Ohio State's defense hasn't been much to speak of, either, but because of the overall familiarity with Oklahoma, I'd say the Bulldogs would be just fine with a rematch." – Anthony Dasher, UGASports.com