A 2-loss P12 champ should get in over a 2-loss tOSU, 2-loss Penn State, and 2-loss Louisville that didn’t play in their conf. champ games. Colorado could make it in as well. I don’t think WSU could make it in. We’d need Louisville to lose to Houston, and Michigan to beat tOSU. We’d beat 2 top 10ish teams to end the season in Colorado and UW or WSU. It’s not likely, but it’s plausible.
How often could we have said in the past that 3 games out and we can control our destiny to get to the Rose Bowl? OK, yes, a few times in the last few years… but that’s STILL PRETTY DARN COOL!
1 interesting (to me) observation, if Penn Wins out ( Rutgers, MSU) there is no way tOSU can play for their conference title, no title should mean no CFP appearance.
I think too much emphasis is put on winning the conference. I remember when Georgia won the SEC with a 6-4 record. Georgia was the SEC rep in the Sugar Bowl. I think the conference crown should be used when two team are really close and one is a Champion. Anyway, I think a two loss PAC 12 champion Utah has a good shot at the CFP.
With only 4 playoff spots available, I think there is no way you should qualify to play for a national title when you can’t even win your conference title.