Four spots.
Seven deserving teams.
At least that’s one sports writer’s view (blush, blush) on the 18th of October regarding the current favorites to make the third edition of the College Football Playoff, its Fortunate Four officially announced by the selection committee 47 days from today on Dec. 4.
At least three of those seven programs – top-ranked Alabama, No. 2 Ohio State and third-ranked Michigan – could pass an eye test in total darkness, just by the crushing sounds of their defensive hits and the “whoosh!” noise their offensive skill players make when blowing past helpless defenders.
As for the other four teams – 2015 national runner-up Clemson, Washington, Texas A&M and once-beaten Louisville – they all have work to do and bitter rivals to defeat in order to join the fun. Throw in the fact that both the beauty and cruelty of college football is that every game matters – and that losses late in the season tend to sting more than those suffered early – and you have the makings of a fantastic finish to the regular season.