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The Big 12 has a complicated College Football Playoff situation. The league will put a team into the 12-team postseason field, but its situation regarding any subsequent teams is shaky. But for that matter, so is the identity of the league champion. There are three contenders and a longshot, so here's more on the Big 12.
Big 12 CFP watch
In the mix
Trending
BYU
The No. 9 Cougars have been one of college football's biggest surprises this year. At 8-0 (and 5-0 in the league), they are the clear frontrunner for the league crown. On tap in November are home games with Kansas and Houston, two of the league's weakest teams. Also upcoming are road trips to Utah and Arizona State, the latter being BYU's biggest challenge.
ESPN gives the Cougars just over a 1-in-3 shot at winning the league crown and a 58% shot at a CFP bid. The best second-team scenario for the Big 12 is an unbeaten team losing the conference title game, and BYU could fit into that role.
Iowa State
Another surprise team, the Cyclones, are also undefeated. Their schedule is a bit more complicated as they have five games in November and finish up with a home battle with Kansas State. Iowa State doesn't play BYU, so both teams could run the table and meet undefeated in the Big 12 title game.
The No. 11 Cyclones wouldn't necessarily win any beauty contests, but they've got a 31% shot at winning the league and a 45% chance to reach the CFP. Again, the situation with the league's two undefeated teams not playing each other could well spell the Big 12's best shot at two playoff teams.
Kansas State
The 7-1 Wildcats could be the league spoiler. Their only loss was a Week 4 beatdown at BYU, but otherwise, K-State has been impressive. They're ranked No. 17 nationally. The Wildcats still have home games with Arizona State and Cincinnati and will play at Houston and Iowa State.
That regular-season finale could be genuinely impactful for not just the league crown but the playoff situation. Kansas State still has a 39% shot at making the playoff, but its shot is probably contingent on beating Iowa State, meaning a BYU and K-State or BYU and ISU playoff are the best bets.
Long shot
Colorado
The Deion Sanders-coached Buffs are 4-1 in league play and have risen to No. 23 in the nation. They also became bowl-eligible after beating the Bearcats 34-23 in Week 9. Colorado has a light schedule down the stretch, with home games against Utah and Oklahoma State as well as road games with Texas Tech and Kansas.
A 10-2 Colorado team could work its way into the CFP situation. The Buffaloes' league loss was to Kansas State. Still, a lot would have to happen to get the Buffs into the playoffs. ESPN gives them a 7.8% chance, well shy of the league's big three but miles ahead of anybody else. Cincinnati's 0.6% shot is fifth best. Colorado's best hope is to win out and benefit from some chaos.
What do you think of the Big 12's playoff situation? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!
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