5 teams that suffered costliest losses in Week 14 college football ft. Miami
Week 14 of the college football season had more than its fair share of drama. But for every team that gained a big victory, another took a tough loss. And those losses aren't created equal.
Here are five teams that suffered particularly costly losses in terms of their postseason hopes in Week 14.
5 teams that suffered costliest losses in Week 14
5. Ohio State
For Ohio State, another loss to Michigan is really just a matter of pride. A fourth consecutive loss to Michigan is increasingly difficult for Ryan Day to justify. The good news for Ohio State is that they aren't falling out of the playoff. ESPN's FPI dropped the Buckeyes' playoff chances to 96.1%.
But Ohio State is out of the Big Ten title game and definitely will have to win an extra game to make it through the College Football Playoff. Yes, the Buckeyes will host a first-round game, but they could have avoided having to play one.
4. Tulane
Tulane's loss to Memphis had kind of the opposite effect of Ohio State's loss. The Green Wave still get to play for the AAC title. But Tulane's slim shot at the playoff lay in overtaking the Big 12 champion in the CFP rankings. Given how back and forth the CFP has been, Tulane still had a shot had it bested Memphis. But the 34-24 loss essentially cements Tulane not making the playoff.
The Green Wave have a 0.3% chance at the playoff per FPI. Tulane is favored over Army to win the league, but the big prize is out of reach.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies were underdogs who had a longshot path to the playoff. A&M needed to beat Texas to reach the SEC title game and then probably take down Georgia in the SEC title game.
Instead, the 17-7 loss to Texas snuffed out A&M's already slim chance of sneaking into the playoff. Even if A&M had pulled the upset, the Aggies had heavy lifting ahead. Instead, an 8-4 season will end in a non-playoff bowl.
2. Clemson
The Tigers' loss to South Carolina ended up being costly. The ACC had emerged as a league with a legitimate shot at a two-big playoff situation, with SMU taking the lead in the CFP hunt.
With Miami's loss, Clemson will play the Mustangs in the ACC title game. It's a game that Clemson has to win, as FPI now gives the Tigers a 41.7% shot at the playoff. But had Clemson bested South Carolina, the Tigers might not have had to win the league title matchup to make the playoff.
1. Miami
Miami's Week 14 loss to Syracuse was incredibly costly. Since Clemson lost, had Miami won, the Hurricanes would have been playing for the ACC title.
Instead, the Hurricanes are not playing for the title, and in a season in which they led the ACC most of the way, might end up shy of the playoff. FPI gives Miami just a 23.6% shot at the playoff and the Hurricanes won't play any more games to be able to help their own cause.
Which Week 14 loss surprised you the most? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!