Fact or Fiction: Texas A&M is a true CFB Playoff contender
National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
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1. The Pac-12 and Big 12 are eliminated from playoff talk.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Oregon had the only shot for the Pac-12 and the Ducks are done now. A two-loss Big 12 champion has no chance of making it, especially if it’s Iowa State who won’t have the national pull to get selected. Oklahoma could win the Big 12 it won't be enough.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. There are still so many variables that I’m not willing to discount teams from the Pac-12 or the Big 12 especially if Oklahoma wins out convincingly or if USC finishes undefeated. Iowa State might have a tougher argument because of national status but the Sooners or Trojans could get in especially if Ohio State cannot play because of COVID-19 protocols and the Big Ten championship game gets even more unsure. What happens if Notre Dame beats Clemson again? What if the Big Ten title game ends up being Northwestern vs. Indiana? I don’t think it’s over the Big 12 and Pac-12 yet.
2. No one will be able to even hang with Alabama.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. There’s a guy named Trevor Lawrence who makes Clemson the only team who can give Alabama a run for its money. Trust me, if it comes down to the Crimson Tide and the Tigers, it will be a close game.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I don’t think Alabama is far and away the best team in the country - but it’s pretty close. Clemson and Ohio State are the two teams I can see possibly beating the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff but Alabama is going to be very difficult to defeat on anybody’s best day. Florida could have a shot in the SEC Championship Game if everything falls its way and the Gators can outscore Alabama but those are the only teams. Notre Dame? Probably not. The difference in athleticism is just too stark although the Irish are really, really talented.
3. The Aggies are a true playoff contender.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The loss to Alabama kills the Aggies' chances because the Tide will win out and play Florida for the SEC title. Texas A&M, meanwhile, will finish outside the final four. It’s a shame that the Aggies are in the SEC West because this is a solid team with a great defense but I doubt they will get a look.
Gorney’s take: FACT. This all depends on what will be deemed important by the committee since Texas A&M plays in the same division - not only the same conference - but the same division as the Goliath of college football in Alabama, its only loss. The Aggies won’t play for the conference title but they have an argument because they beat the team - Florida - that will play Alabama for the SEC championship. A lot can still happen with one-loss teams and how things play out with Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida and others but Texas A&M has to be in the conversation since its only loss came to the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa in early October.