College Football Playoff hopes hang in the balance as Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, and Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss fight for postseason glory. Which rosters have the elite trench talent, and where do coaching distractions threaten to topple contender dreams? Can Miami rebound from devastating losses, or will Alabama’s lackluster run game doom the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl against Auburn?

Brian Smith analyzes different types of pivotal matchups like Notre Dame competing against Miami for a Playoff bid, and how traditional games like Alabama vs Auburn and Oklahoma vs LSU impact the College Football Playoff.

He also breaks down playoff resumes, roster construction, injuries, and risky coaching changes like Kiffin’s uncertain future. Key insights include Texas Tech’s dominance in the Big 12, Oregon’s injury woes, Oklahoma’s offensive struggles, and why BYU and Utah are unlikely playoff threats. Who will survive the chaos, and which fan bases will be left arguing over committee snubs? Get the blunt, unfiltered truth on college football’s road to the Playoff.

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. 
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. 

Wayfair

Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. 
Head to https://Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off. Sale ends December 7th.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.