10 games that will shape College Football Playoff in 2022
ESPN’s Heather Dinich believes there are ten games that will shape the College Football Playoff in 2022. These games will have the most influence on the College Football Playoff, driving the decisions one way or another.
Huge rivalries, intriguing matchups and multiple rematches make the list. Still, there are certain showdowns that’ll separate the contenders from the pretenders more than others.
Ranked from greatest impact to the least, here’s the games Dinich believes will have the biggest impact on the College Football Playoff in 2022.
10 games that will shape College Football Playoff in 2022:
1) Michigan Wolverines at Ohio State Buckeyes, Nov. 26
One of the greatest rivalries in all of sports served as a launching pad for the College Football Playoff last season. According to Dinich, ‘The Game’ could determine the winner of the Big Ten East once again, and in-turn the Big Ten champion.
2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio State Buckeyes, Sept. 3
“This is more about Notre Dame’s path to the playoff than Ohio State’s,” writes Dinich.
The Fighting Irish need all the proof they can get to make the College Football Playoff. A victory over Ohio State could be the start of an impressive resume.
3) Georgia Bulldogs vs. Oregon Ducks (Atlanta), Sept. 3
On the same day Notre Dame faces a huge test, the Pac-12 has one of their best hopes at returning to the dance. If Dan Lanning can defeat his former squad, the Ducks will be in prime position for a shocking run.
4) Texas A&M Aggies at Alabama Crimson Tide, Oct. 8
“This is a chance for Texas A&M to take the lead in the SEC West,” wrote Dinich. “.. Unlike last year, though, then Aggies have to keep winning to make it worth more than bragging rights.”
5) NC State Wolfpack at Clemson Tigers, Oct. 1
The ACC could be wide open in 2022. However, Clemson could be the toughest test NC State faces. Both teams need a victory to justify their resumes in this showdown.
6) USC Trojans at Utah Utes, Oct. 15
Could Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams shock the college football world in their first season in the Pac-12? Additionally, Dinich mentions that Utah could be building on their impressive end to 2021 next season.
7) Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines, Oct. 29
Dinich believes one of the Big Ten’s best rivalries is critical to the committee, writing “It’s still a critical rivalry game that can knock either team out of the Big Ten East Division lead and in turn, the playoff.”
8) Miami Hurricanes at Texas A&M Aggies, Sept. 17
With Texas A&M’s weak non-conference schedule, the Aggies can’t afford to lose to the Hurricanes. However, a win would go a long way for Mario Cristobal and Miami.
9) Oklahoma State Cowboys at Baylor Bears, Oct. 1
“If Oklahoma State is going to take the next steps this fall, it starts here,” writes Dinich. “.. The winner is in a better position to reach both the Big 12 title game and the CFP, while the loser will be under enormous pressure to win out.”
10) Cincinnati Bearcats at Arkansas Razorbacks, Sept. 3
Simply, the fairy tale either continues or ends here for Cincinnati. To illustrate, Dinich mentions the Bearcats must defeat the Razorbacks to once again be taken serious. If not, the story has written its final chapter.