Stanford’s Conrad Ukropina kicks a 45-yard field goal as time expires to give Stanford a 38-36 win over Notre Dame last Saturday. (AP Photo) The College Football Playoff participants seem set — barring Saturday upsets. But if Florida beats Alabama, or North Carolina upsets Clemson, what happens? Who’s next in line? Fourth-ranked Iowa plays fifth-ranked Michigan State in a Big Ten title game that serves as a virtual national quarterfinal. So who’s next on the food chain should there be an upset in the SEC or ACC title games? Ohio State is ranked sixth this week and Stanford seventh. But bet on Stanford jumping Ohio State, if the Cardinal beats Southern Cal in the Pac-12 championship game. A league title would enhance Stanford’s résumé. The Pac-12 crown, plus a quality neutral-field victory over SC, should lift Stanford ahead of Ohio State, which is finished with the regular season. …
Continue Reading: Look for Stanford to jump Ohio State in the playoff rankings
