How Oklahoma can make College Football Playoff: Sooners’ path to CFP bracket

Oklahoma’s first College Football Oklahoma is ranked No. 8 in game control, one of the metrics that the selection committee uses to determine if a team will make the playoffs. They must beat Alabama in week 12 and continue their hot streak through the end of the season… and get some help. The selection committee looks at game control as one of their preferred metrics. That’s fourth-best in the SEC and only Texas has a tougher remaining schedule than the Sooners (7th nationally).Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff pathRemaining pathOklahoma (7-2), which is ranked fourth in the nation, faces a playoff eliminator game at Alabama on Saturday. This will give the selection panel another data point to improve the Sooners overall grade if they win. When you look at how many teams can potentially achieve that’magic number,’ the narrative that 10 SEC wins will automatically lead to a playoff invitation this season is not valid. Oklahoma has a strong position, but must win to be in with a shot. A loss by No. Losses by Texas (No.10), Notre Dame (9th) or Oregon (8th) would strengthen the Sooners’ chances of securing an at-large berth. Oregon, ranked 8th would help the Sooners as well. The Fighting Irish and Ducks both play a ranked opponent in the last few weeks. Texas plays two (Georgia and Texas A&M).

Vegas SaysAs a “first-team out” in the bracket, the Sooners are expected to lose at least one game against Alabama, Missouri or LSU in Week 12 and finish with a 9-3 record, barely in the mix. According to FanDuel, the Sooners have odds of +225 for appearing in the 12-team bracket as well as -290 to miss the playoff. The odds of the Sooners winning in Tuscaloosa will be significantly altered if they win. It only matters if one SEC rival is left on the committee’s list. There’s a better chance of Oklahoma finishing 10-2 than Texas, considering the Longhorns play fifth-ranked Georgia on the road and third-ranked — and unbeaten — Texas A&M at the end of the month.Data points are vital with the committee and Oklahoma’s nonconference victory over a potential nine-win Michigan is important. The committee will be looking at data points and Oklahoma’s nonconference win over Michigan, which could have nine wins, is important.

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2025-11-12 16:00:15