Texas A&M Football

Devon Achane scored on a 76-yard touchdown run with 3:44 remaining in regulation to help give No. 5 Texas A&M a 41-27 win over No. 13 UNC in the Orange Bowl on Saturday.

WHAT A RUN.

DEVON ACHANE 76 YARDS FOR SIX.

(📍 @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/Nk4CZ35Z3b

— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2021

UNC led 26-20 after quarterback Sam Howell found wide receiver Josh Downs for a 75-yard touchdown with 13:51 left in the fourth quarter:

SAM HOWELL UNLOADED FOR 75 YARDS ON THIS TD 🔥

(📍 @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/t4tOQphma3

— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2021

The Aggies responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown run via quarterback Kellen Mond, who had found running back Ainias Smith for a 54-yard toss a few plays earlier:

Kellen Mond used the dual-threat to reach the end zone 🙌

(📍 @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/JW2z8dAWFk

— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2021

The Aggies defense, which had struggled for much of the game, then came through in the clutch by forcing a pair of UNC punts that buffered a Texas A&M three-and-out.

Achane's touchdown put the Aggies in the lead for good. UNC could not manage a first down on its next drive, and Texas A&M used the short field to go 34 yards in three plays capped by Achane's second score.

Achane, who replaced an injured Isaiah Spiller, finished with 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries.

Spiller, who was able to watch the rest of the game with his teammates on the sideline, scored a pair of rushing touchdowns.

A third running back, Smith, added 125 receiving yards on six catches.

UNC played short-handed, most notably missing running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, wide receiver Dyami Brown and linebacker Chazz Surratt. All four players opted out in advance to start preparing for NFL careers.

Howell threw three touchdown passes, two of which went to Downs.

The Aggies finished their season 9-1, and UNC ended at 8-4.

                    

Notable Performances

Aggies QB Kellen Mond: 16-of-26, 232 passing yards; 11 carries, 36 rushing yards, 1 TD

Aggies RB Isaiah Spiller: 11 carries, 50 rushing yards, 2 TD; 4 catches, 19 receiving yards

Aggies RB Ainias Smith: 6 receptions, 125 receiving yards

Aggies RB Devon Achane: 12 carries, 140 rushing yards, 2 TD; 2 catches, 24 receiving yards

Tar Heels QB Sam Howell: 18-of-31, 234 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT; 12 carries, 25 rushing yards

Tar Heels WR Josh Downs: 4 catches, 91 receiving yards, 2 TD

Tar Heels WR Dazz Newsome: 6 catches, 68 receiving yards, 1 TD

               

Ainias Smith Breaks Out for Aggies

Before the Orange Bowl, Smith issued the following tweet, one that proved to be prophetic:

Tonight, I give you my everything😔

— Ainias Smith (@ainias_smith) January 2, 2021

Not only did Smith put forth a tremendous effort, but the Aggies earned a comeback win thanks largely to his efforts, which helped solidify a Top Five finish for the program in the final Associated Press and coaches polls.

Smith, a sophomore running back out of Missouri City, Texas, is one of the more unheralded stars in college football. He only touched the ball 86 times before Saturday but managed 732 total yards and 10 scores.

Smith also happened to save his best performance for the Aggies' biggest game, amassing six receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns against No. 1 Alabama.

That game ended in defeat, but Smith was one of his team's brightest stars on a massive stage once again.

Smith routinely made big plays on scoring drives, starting his night with a 31-yard reception to kick off a 68-yard drive that ended with a Seth Small field goal to put the Aggies up 10-6 in the second quarter.

He followed that up with three catches for 35 yards on a 12-play, 74-yard drive to help the Aggies tie UNC at 20 following a 23-yard Small field goal.

However, Smith's best play occurred with the Aggies' backs against the wall down 27-20 in the fourth. Mond found Smith from 25 yards out, and then the running back added an extra 29 yards thanks to his blazing speed and remarkable elusiveness in the open field to put the Aggies at the UNC 6-yard line.

Kellen Mond used the dual-threat to reach the end zone 🙌

(📍 @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/JW2z8dAWFk

— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2021

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg called Smith "electric" after that effort.

Billy Liucci of TexAgs, who chose Smith as his pregame MVP, credited him with "leading the way" on a night where the defense struggled until standing tall for much of the fourth quarter.

The quarterback finished the drive himself with a four-yard run three plays after the Smith reception.

Smith and fellow running backs Spiller and Achane finished the night with 358 total yards (190 rushing, 168 receiving) and four touchdowns.

Spiller did the hard work by the goal line for his two touchdowns, and Achane authored the play of the game on a 76-yard touchdown run that featured him pinballing off defenders before the score.

In the middle, Smith constructed the bridge to help stem the tide of a phenomenal UNC offensive effort, and the Aggies left Miami Gardens, Florida, as Orange Bowl champions.

        

Short-Handed Tar Heels Offense Posts Valiant Effort Against No. 5 Aggies

UNC entered Saturday missing a ton of offensive production.

Carter had 1,512 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns. Williams had 1,445 scrimmage yards and 22 scores. Brown was the team's leading pass-catcher with 55 receptions, 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns, and Surratt paced the entire defense with 91 tackles and six sacks.

However, UNC still had a few holdovers from the regular season, which ended with an explosive 62-26 win over Miami and featured six games in which the Tar Heels scored 48 or more points.

One of them was Howell, who kept UNC in this game deep into the fourth quarter and even propelled the Tar Heels to a lead after finding Downs.

Howell entered Saturday as Pro Football Focus' highest-rated ACC quarterback, even ahead of Clemson quarterback (and presumptive No. 1 overall draft pick) Trevor Lawrence.

He left the Orange Bowl as the ACC's all-time leader in touchdown passes (68) through a sophomore season.

UNC had a chance with Howell behind center, but his receiving corps took a hit with the loss of Brown.

Howell needed an unsung hero to step up, and he got it with freshman wideout Josh Downs, who entered the Orange Bowl with just three catches for 28 yards and one touchdown to his name.

He eclipsed his reception total, more than tripled his receiving yardage mark and doubled his scoring output in one evening, finishing with four catches, 91 yards and two scores.

Ross Martin of Inside Carolina praised Downs: "Expect to hear Josh Downs's name a lot next year. Really big time recruit. Talented, skilled. Staff love him. Just played behind Dazz this year."

Dazz is Dazz Newsome, who was UNC's top remaining pass-catcher with Brown headed for the NFL. Newsome looks more than ready to pace the Tar Heels as their No. 1 wideout next year, finishing with six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. His juggling 28-yard TD catch gave UNC an early 12-10 advantage:

Dazz Newsome went ALL OUT for this TD grab 😤

(📍 @capitalone) pic.twitter.com/YkWSrIgEyo

— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2021

Howell has found much success when targeting Newsome, as PFF noted:

Highest passer rating when targeted since 2019:

1. DeVonta Smith, 'Bama - 152.4
2. Dyami Brown, UNC - 136.9
3. Dazz Newsome, UNC - 132.4
4. Marlon Williams, Wake - 129.0 pic.twitter.com/azdeY9iFfc

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 29, 2020

Saturday may have ended with a disappointing loss, but the silver lining is that UNC's offense may not skip a beat thanks to Howell, Downs and Newsome, who helped the Tar Heels take the Aggies to the limit.

No. 5 Texas A&M (8-1) was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of No. 4 Notre Dame (10-1), and head coach Jimbo Fisher believes it's time to change the CFP format.

"I think the playoff needs to get expanded," he told reporters Sunday. "It's hard to judge strength of schedule. Only way you'll find out is to expand the playoff, and I'm a traditionalist and never thought I would say that. But in today's times, we do [need playoff expansion]."

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond wasn't pleased the Aggies were snubbed from the CFP either:

JOKE

— K M o n d (@TheKellenMond) December 20, 2020

“Texas A&M has no quality wins.”

All of these SEC teams that are “MEDIOCRE” in the media’s eyes would run the table in some of these other leagues. Only a few teams out of the SEC can really play in the SEC.

— K M o n d (@TheKellenMond) December 20, 2020

Fisher likely isn't alone in desiring an expanded playoff. Cincinnati, despite going 9-0, was ranked No. 8 below two-loss Oklahoma and three-loss Florida. In an eight-team format, the Bearcats would be a playoff team. More than a few folks argued that Cincinnati deserved a berth in a four-team format:

If 9-0 Cincinnati wasn’t even in consideration this year, of all years, then this isn’t a college football playoff, it’s an invitational for certain teams from certain conferences. https://t.co/VmJbbxXkSA

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 20, 2020

Luke Fickell’s Cincinnati Bearcats’ first ranking was #7 in the CFP and their final ranking was #7 in the CFP. Won their conference. Undefeated. Just curious how that happens. #CFBPlayoff

— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDimes) December 20, 2020

Cincinnati is the best G5 team of the CFP era. No. 1 defense in the country. No. 11 offense.

And 5 days before the selection, they dropped to No. 9. https://t.co/cNpFxNIizy

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 20, 2020

The final disrespect for Cincinnati has been logged. And the final inflation of the Big 12. Oklahoma at No. 6 is absurd.

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 20, 2020

Imagine if we didn't have to debate if Notre Dame was more deserving of a playoff berth than Texas A&M because they were playing each other as the No. 4 and 5 seeds. Imagine if we didn't have to debate Cincinnati's strength of schedule because an eight-team format would have them in automatically this year and would make having the top non-Power Five school in the rankings qualify for the CFP more palatable.

And most importantly, imagine how much more fun it would be having eight teams in the mix rather than four. We could spend less time talking about the politics of college football and the selection committee and more time talking about the actual games.

In a challenging year for college football because of the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic—with teams canceling games and playing abbreviated schedules—the flaws of the current system were magnified. A change in the CFP format has never felt more necessary.

Kellen Mond is not happy that the 8-1 Texas A&M Aggies weren't selected for the College Football Playoff. 

On Sunday, the quarterback expressed his frustration at his team's exclusion in favor of Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame:

JOKE

— K M o n d (@TheKellenMond) December 20, 2020

“Texas A&M has no quality wins.”

All of these SEC teams that are “MEDIOCRE” in the media’s eyes would run the table in some of these other leagues. Only a few teams out of the SEC can really play in the SEC.

— K M o n d (@TheKellenMond) December 20, 2020

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher was equally perturbed. 

"Seven straight SEC wins," he said, per ESPN. "Some schools ain't even playing seven games. I don't care what league you're in. If you're gonna pick the best four teams, we're one of them."

Alabama and Ohio State were each undefeated and won their respective conferences, making them easy selections. Clemson has one loss, but it came against Notre Dame earlier in the season, without star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Tigers also won the ACC title. 

That left the CFP committee to choose between one-loss Notre Dame, one-loss Texas A&M and undefeated Cincinnati. Selection committee chairman and Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said the deciding factor was Notre Dame's having one more Top 25 win than the Aggies. 

It wasn't exactly a popular decision for a number of reasons after Clemson smoked Notre Dame 34-10 in the ACC Championship Game:

Let's be honest: Notre Dame got in over Texas A&M because it's Notre Dame and has a national following.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) December 20, 2020

Notre Dame making the CFB playoff only confirms how much of a sham money grab the entire operation is.

Expand the system NOW. Teams like Cincinnati and Coast Carolina need a seat at the big kids table.

— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) December 20, 2020

Aggies have a chance to finish No. 3 in the country and after Notre Dame and Ohio State lose, everyone will wonder what A&M could have done in the playoff. Aggies still can end on a high note and if Notre Dame and Ohio State lose, their seasons will be wastes.

— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) December 20, 2020

Many of these debates would likely be less heated if college football turned to an eight-team playoff format. Doubling the entrants—including each Power Five winner and the top-ranked non-Power Five school—would also reduce the odds that a deserving team would get snubbed.  

Texas A&M head football coach Jimbo Fisher expressed his belief Saturday that the Aggies deserve to be in the College Football Playoff.

According to TexAgs, Fisher said: "We deserve to be in [the playoff]. I believe that firmly. I've watched the games. We can play with anybody."

Per Shehan Jeyarajah of TexasFootball.com, Fisher added: "No one-loss SEC team has ever missed the playoff ... if we can't play in this league and be in the playoff, something's wrong."

Fisher's comments came on the heels of the No. 5 Aggies beating the Tennessee Volunteers 34-13 on Saturday to improve to 8-1 on the season.

While the Aggies certainly have a chance to be part of the CFP, they will likely need some help Saturday in the form of Notre Dame beating Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.

Both Notre Dame and Alabama are likely locked into the CFP regardless of what they do, plus Ohio State is in good position to make the College Football Playoff after beating Northwestern 22-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game to remain undefeated.

Clemson lost in overtime to Notre Dame earlier this season when it was without quarterback Trevor Lawrence because of a positive COVID-19 test. With Lawrence back in the fold, the Tigers are favored to win and qualify for the CFP.

A loss would give Clemson two defeats on the season, however, and it would open the door for Texas A&M's first-ever CFP appearance.

The Aggies have been impressive this season, as they beat then-No. 4 Florida 41-38 early in the year and last month defeated a scrappy LSU team that upset Florida last week.

The biggest thing going against Texas A&M is the fact that it will not play in the SEC Championship Game since it finished behind 10-0 Bama in the SEC West.

Texas A&M had its chance against the Crimson Tide, but Fisher's team was overmatched in its second game of the season and fell 52-24.

If Texas A&M gets left out of the CFP, arguments will undoubtedly be made that the Aggies should have been chosen ahead of Ohio State since the Buckeyes only played in six games because of COVID-19 issues.

A unique season has created a unique set of circumstances, however, meaning there is no clearly right answer when it comes to most issues, including choosing the top four teams in college football for the CFP.

Tunmise Adeleye is officially an Aggie.

Adeleye announced his decision to sign a letter of intent with Texas A&M on National Signing Day Wednesday.

Tunmise Adeleye signing with Texas A&M #NSD21 #GigEm pic.twitter.com/yrjPrAIvc7

— Brian Perroni (@Perroni247) December 17, 2020

ESPN 300 defensive end Tunmise Adeleye just committed to Texas A&M. #Aggies get the No. 40 ranked recruit overall. pic.twitter.com/hq0fHDhKQv

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) December 17, 2020

The defensive end, who checks in at 6'3" and 245 pounds, is a 4-star prospect and the No. 37 overall player, No. 6 strong-side defensive end and No. 6 player from the state of Texas in the class of 2021, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He initially announced his decision to join Ohio State in April but decommitted in August. He later narrowed his decision to Alabama, Florida and Texas A&M.

There was no clearer indication of his talent than the list of teams interested in him throughout his recruiting cycle. His initial final six came in December 2019, and the list included some of the nation's most notable powerhouses in Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, Florida and Texas A&M.

It is no wonder so many typical championship contenders were interested in the defensive end.

He possesses enough power to steamroll his way through offensive linemen and either pressure the quarterback or stuff running plays. His tackling ability stands out, especially from the defensive end spot, and he can help open rushing lanes for his teammates with the additional attention he draws.

Adeleye finished the 2018 season with 56 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks and followed up with 53 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks in 2019.

His 247Sports profile noted he could eventually play multiple spots along the defensive line during his collegiate career because of his strength at the point of attack in addition to pursuit.

He will have the opportunity to further develop that versatility while working with a program that has put numerous defensive linemen into the NFL in recent years, including Myles Garrett, Justin Madubuike and Kingsley Keke.

Shemar Turner, the wildly talented defensive end from DeSoto High School in Texas, will play college football for Texas A&M.  

Turner announced his decision Saturday:

https://twitter.com/TheShemarTurner/status/1337827968358510592

Turner is regarded as one of the best players in the 2021 recruiting class, regardless of position. The Texas native is a 5-star prospect, the fourth-ranked strong-side defensive and the No. 31 player overall, per 247Sports' composite rankings. 

Gabe Brooks of 247Sports offered this scouting report for Turner:

"Good size and frame potential for potential position- and scheme-versatile roles. College-ready size for some spots with the space to bulk to 290-300 range if desired. Experience playing end and inside in a predominantly four-man front. Flashes impressive pursuit ability and straight-line closing speed relative to size. Generally a solid tackler who can arrive with power as a hitter. Shows encouraging pass-rush instincts when aligned inside."

Turner was an impact player on the defensive line at DeSoto. He had 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over his final two seasons. He's already listed at 6'3" and 282 pounds, so with more room to fill out his frame, there's no concern about his being physically capable of handling himself against college offensive linemen as soon as next season. 

Head coach Jimbo Fisher is on quite a roll with the Aggies. He's led the program to a second-place finish in the SEC West, with their lone defeat coming against Alabama. 

Texas A&M climbed into the Top Five of the Associated Press poll in 2020 for the first time in eight years. 

Since he arrived in College Station in December 2017, the Aggies' recruiting has taken off. They finished in the top six of 247Sports' national rankings each of the previous two years. 

Every program in Texas and the surrounding area should have been actively pursuing Turner because of his natural talent. But he'll add to Texas A&M's growing collection of elite players. 

Even though Alabama will always be the favorite in the SEC as long as Nick Saban is its head coach, Texas A&M has the foundation to challenge for a conference title next year and beyond.

The No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive Saturday with a 31-20 road win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

In addition to a solid performance from quarterback Kellen Mond, who accounted for three touchdowns, the Aggies thrived thanks to a dominant running game that totaled 313 yards and helped them win the time of possession battle 38:00-22:00.

Auburn put up a good fight and led the game on two occasions, but the Tigers were unable to pull off the upset despite quarterback Bo Nix's two rushing touchdowns.

Texas A&M improved to 7-1 on the season with the win, while Auburn fell to a disappointing 5-4.

             

Notable Stats

Kellen Mond, QB, TAMU: 18/23 for 196 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT; 10 CAR for 60 YDS, 1 TD

Isaiah Spiller, RB, TAMU: 20 CAR for 120 YDS; 2 REC for 10 YDS

Devon Achane, RB, TAMU: 9 CAR for 99 YDS; 1 REC for 3 YDS

Jalen Wydermyer, TE, TAMU: 8 REC for 89 YDS, 2 TD

Bo Nix, QB, AUB: 15/23 for 144 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT; 11 CAR for 49 YDS, 2 TD

Tank Bigsby, RB, AUB: 9 CAR for 76 YDS

Seth Williams, WR, AUB: 3 REC for 51 YDS

          

Wydermyer, Running Game Spur Aggies' Attack

Auburn struggled to defend a multifaceted offensive attack from Texas A&M on Saturday, which led directly to the Aggies' victory.

Leading SEC rusher Isaiah Spiller, freshman Devon Achane and quarterback Kellen Mond ran wild throughout the contest. Trey Scott of 247Sports noted how the depth and versatility of Texas A&M's backfield gave Auburn and so many other teams this season issues:

I love Texas A&M's fun and versatile running backs room - Spiller, Achane, Smith. Who needs WRs when you've got 3 guys like that?

— Trey Scott (@TreyScott247) December 5, 2020

Spiller has received no shortage of praise this season as arguably the best offensive player on one of the top teams in the nation, but Achane hasn't been talked about as much. That may change after his performance Saturday.

Auburn also had to deal with Ainias Smith, who scored a key touchdown in the fourth quarter that extended Texas A&M's lead from one to eight.

Mond didn't have to do too much Saturday with the running game firing on all cylinders, but when he did go to the air, sophomore tight end Jalen Wydermyer was his target more often than not.

Wydermyer has quickly developed into one of the top tight ends in college football, and his development was on full display Saturday with a pair of touchdown grabs.

He was responsible for the first touchdown of the game, beating the Auburn secondary to the back pylon for a 10-yard score:

What a grab by Jalen Wydermyer 😳 pic.twitter.com/x7TaJzhYBX

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 5, 2020

Wydermyer scored again from 20 yards out in the fourth quarter to help give Texas A&M a one-point lead. Mond's pass was nearly intercepted before getting deflected into Wydermyer's hands.

Rotoworld's Thor Nystrom and Barrett Sallee of CBS Sports were among those who were particularly impressed by Wydermyer's performance:

Watching A&M-Auburn and continue to be impressed by Texas A&M TE Jalen Wydermyer

Skilled receiver, gets after it as a blocker, doesn’t give up until the whistle, improved in this area

Mond trusts him — tries to fit balls to Wyd he wouldn’t try with his other targets

— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) December 5, 2020

Jaylen Wydermyer is not coverable

— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) December 5, 2020

Texas A&M showed once again that it is capable of beating teams in myriad ways with multiple weapons in the running and passing game showing out Saturday.

Because of that, the Aggies could be a major threat should they manage to qualify for the CFP in the coming weeks.

               

Nix Creates Highlight Reel with Legs vs. Aggies

As has been the case throughout the season, Auburn quarterback Bo Nix had his issues as a passer Saturday, but he showed off another element of his game.

Nix was the talk of social media during the early slate of college football games Saturday thanks to a play of the year nominee that resulted in a five-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Nix looked to be dead to rights while in the grasp of a Texas A&M defender, but he escaped, ran to his left and found his way into the end zone against all odds:

BO NIX WENT HOUDINI ON THIS PLAY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jvM1bWMRa3

— ESPN (@espn) December 5, 2020

Bo Nix is a magician 😳

(📍 @Tracfone) pic.twitter.com/RBJ6qy0sSv

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 5, 2020

Former Auburn and current Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson loved what he saw out of the talented signal-caller on the run:

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 @BoNix10 #WarEagle

— Daniel Carlson (@DanielCarlson38) December 5, 2020

While the particular run was Nix's top highlight, he had a few other impressive ones in the game as well, including a three-yard scoring dart in the third quarter to give Auburn a 17-14 lead:

Bo Nix putting Auburn up on #5 Texas A&M😳

https://t.co/fiL7SDux6P

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 5, 2020

Nix played a big role in the Tigers rushing for nearly 200 yards as a team Saturday, and his legs were arguably Auburn's biggest offensive weapon.

In fact, Nix ran so well that Connor O'Gara of Saturday Down South questioned why he doesn't run more often:

Bo Nix had 377 passing attempts last year, and he entered the day second in the SEC in passing attempts.

After watching him as a runner today, I'll ask the question again.

Why does he ever throw?

— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) December 5, 2020

Aside from their defense getting run on at will, the Tigers' biggest issue Saturday was their inability to consistently move the ball down the field through the air.

Nix found other ways to keep Auburn in the game and showed plenty of grit by making something out of nothing at times, but it wasn't enough to overcome a supremely talented Texas A&M squad.

                 

What's Next?

Texas A&M will attempt to further bolster its CFP case next weekend when it hosts Ole Miss, followed by a road game against Tennessee on Dec. 19.

Meanwhile, Auburn will look to bounce back from Saturday's disappointing loss when it faces Mississippi State on the road next Saturday.

College football is a week closer to bowl season and the College Football Playoff, and there is still no movement among the top eight teams in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls.

Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson all won handily, but Ohio State's situation became more precarious with the cancellation of its game against Illinois.

If the Buckeyes—who have now had two games canceled due to COVID-related issues—miss another game, they will be ineligible for the Big Ten Championship Game and would potentially be excluded from the CFP. 

Because of the league's late start, it did not include bye weeks for makeup games, so Ohio State will need to complete—and win—both of its matchups against Michigan and Michigan State to qualify for the championship game. 

         

USA Today Amway Coaches Poll

1. Alabama (59 first-place votes)
2. Notre Dame (2)
3. Clemson 
4. Ohio State (1)
5. Florida 
6. Texas A&M
7. Cincinnati 
8. BYU 
9. Miami 
10. Georgia 
11. Indiana 
12. Iowa State
13. Oklahoma
14. Coastal Carolina
15. Marshall
16. USC
17. Northwestern
18. Oklahoma State
19. Wisconsin
20. Oregon
21. Louisiana
22. Tulsa
23. Washington 
24. Iowa
25. Liberty

        

Associated Press Poll

1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. Texas A&M
6. Florida
7. Cincinnati
8. BYU
9. Miami (Fla.)
10. Indiana
11. Georgia
12. Iowa State
13. Oklahoma
14. Coastal Carolina
15. Marshall
16. Northwestern
17. USC
18. Wisconsin
19. Oklahoma State
20. UL Lafayette
21. Oregon
22. Tulsa
23. Washington
24. Iowa
25. Liberty

        

Week 14 Top Games

Week 14 features just two matchups of Top 25 teams—No. 12 Indiana vs. No. 16 Wisconsin, and No. 14 Coastal Carolina vs. No. 25 Liberty—but that doesn't mean there will be a shortage of intrigue.

The Hoosiers, who lost to Ohio State by a touchdown on Nov. 21, will be in prime position to represent the East division in the Big Ten title game if the Buckeyes don't qualify, but they'll need to win out to do so.

Wisconsin, which has just one conference loss, is playing its final game of the regular season and won't be eligible for the championship game because it will have only played four games this season due to roster issues. But that doesn't mean the Badgers won't be looking to play spoiler.

Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Indiana 21

            

Arguably the best game of the weekend will take place in Conway, South Carolina, where Liberty—whose only blemish is a 15-14 loss to North Carolina State—and undefeated Coastal Carolina face off.

Both teams are led by coaches (Jamey Chadwell and Hugh Freeze) who have been rumored as potential candidates for bigger jobs this season, but the Chanticleers especially still have something to play for.

Although Cincinnati is in position for the Group of Five's New Year's Six bowl spot, CCU is waiting in the wings if the Bearcats lose, particularly with a win over the Flames. 

Prediction: Coastal Carolina 35, Liberty 24

      

A week after the brutal 20-7 win over LSU, No. 5 Texas A&M will face its toughest remaining matchup when it travels to Auburn, which is coming off a blowout loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

The Tigers aren't particularly dominant on either side of the ball, but if Kellen Mond and the Aggies offense struggle anywhere near the level they did against an abysmal LSU defense, Auburn could pull off the home upset.

Texas A&M doesn't have much of a path to the CFP because it can't pass Alabama in the SEC West standings, but if the aforementioned Ohio State scenario plays out, it could slide into the No. 4 spot. But that is dependent on the Aggies winning out, which won't be an easy task. 

Prediction: Auburn 24, Texas A&M 17

      

Follow Keegan on Twitter @ByKeeganPope

A continued outbreak of COVID-19 within the Texas A&M football program has caused its upcoming game against Ole Miss to be postponed, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports. 

The two teams were scheduled to play on Nov. 21, but Texas A&M no longer has a free week before Dec. 19, which is scheduled to be the date of the SEC Championship Game.

The SEC previously approved Dec. 19 as a possible makeup date for teams.

The Aggies were forced to postpone last Saturday's scheduled game against Tennessee because of its COVID-19 outbreak. It was one of four SEC games that were changed from Week 11. That game is currently rescheduled for Dec. 12.

As Alex Scarborough of ESPN noted, any SEC player who tests positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 10 days, while anyone deemed a high-risk close contact must quarantine for at least 14 days.

Texas A&M reportedly still has a high number of players remaining in quarantine, preventing the team from taking part in the upcoming game.

The schedule changes are significant for the Aggies as they are considered a contender for the College Football Playoff after their 5-1 start to the season, sitting No. 5 in the latest Associated Press poll.

The CFP committee is currently set to make its selection announcement on Dec. 20.

One day after Texas A&M paused football activities because of multiple positive COVID-19 tests, Saturday's game against Tennessee has been postponed. 

The SEC announced the postponement was "due to positive tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantine of individuals" within the Aggies program. 

Texas A&M announced the game has been rescheduled for Dec. 12, and the school released a statement from head coach Jimbo Fisher:

"First and foremost, is the health and safety of our players in our football program. I would never jeopardize their well-being and we will continue to follow all protocols. Our football roster has fallen below the SEC threshold in order to compete this week due to two players testing positive for COVID, the contact tracing associated with the road trip to go along with the players who have opted out and who are injured. We look forward to getting back out there because our team has been practicing and playing well."

As part of the SEC's revised schedule, there are two weeks between the end of the regular season on Dec. 5 and conference title game on Dec. 19. The additional week was designed to give teams an opportunity to reschedule any games that might be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Fisher told reporters Monday that the team would not be practicing because of two positive tests from people who traveled with the Aggies for their 48-3 win over South Carolina on Saturday. 

"Right now, everything's full go," Fisher said at the time about potentially playing this week against Tennessee. "We'll see how the [contact] tracing and all the other tests are. You always plan for that and make adjustments as you go."

Texas A&M (5-1) has four games remaining in the regular season. Its next scheduled game is against Mississippi on Nov. 21.