Paul Finebaum reveals how final CFP spot could be between Tennessee, USC

Paul Finebaum believes the final spot in the College Football Playoff could come down to the USC Trojans or the Tennessee Volunteers.

With the Georgia Bulldogs, TCU Horned Frogs and either the Ohio State Buckeyes or Michigan Wolverines controlling their own destiny, that leaves one spot for another squad to get in. According to Finebaum, the Trojans and the Volunteers will be compared for that fourth ticket to the dance.

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“They have had a lot of good luck lately, with Clemson getting out of the way, but they really need TCU to lose” answered Finebaum, regarding USC. “Will that happen this Saturday at Baylor or in the Big 12 Championship Game? Then, they have to battle Tennessee. It’s going to be a resume contest. Remember, Caleb Williams’ team has been really good this year, in fact they’ve been great. They lost that one game at Utah on a two-point conversion. They have a chance for some extra data points with a Pac-12 championship.

“That’ll be measured against Tennessee, which has wins over Alabama and remember that huge win on the road against LSU in Baton Rouge. That could be the difference depending on what the committee sees in a couple of weeks.”

Alas, USC could have a conference championship on their resume if they win out, but the Volunteers would posses some huge victories over Alabama and LSU. It’d be fascinating to see which way the committee turns, and whose resume they value more between the two teams.

Regardless, both would be tough matchups in the College Football Playoff, as the Trojans and the Volunteers could make arguments that they have the best quarterback in the sport.

Caleb Williams has been about as good as you can be since transferring to USC from Oklahoma, amassing 3,010 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns to just two interceptions. Additionally, Williams has added 283 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns using his legs, as well.

As for Tennessee, Hendon Hooker is squarely in the Heisman race with 2,888 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns to only two interceptions. No matter which squad gets the final College Football Playoff spot, the opposing defense will have a lot to think about.

Regardless, it all hinges on USC and Tennessee winning the remainder of their games in 2022, and time will tell if the Trojans and Volunteers can take care of business. If that comes to fruition, it’ll be fascinating to watch which program gets into the College Football Playoff.