A breakdown of all the College Football Playoff scenarios for TCU’s run in Big 12 play

A breakdown of No. 3 TCU’s (12-0) championship weekend chances ahead of the final College Football Playoff rankings:

For lack of anything better, call it Script Sunday.

1. TCU wins: Horned frogs would be locked in no worse than third in the CFP rankings with a win over Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game, whether by one or fifty. Assuming Georgia and Michigan — both heavy favorites — win their respective conference title games, TCU faces a matchup with Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl.

2. TCU loses by a narrow margin and #4 USC wins: The general consensus is that TCU’s body of work, which includes six wins over teams above .500, will be enough to propel TCU into the playoff at No. 4 over No. 5 Ohio State (11-1) and No. 6 Alabama (10-2). But nothing is given. TCU’s margin would be razor thin.

3. TCU loses by three touchdowns or more and USC wins: Now it’s getting very dangerous for TCU. The Horned Frogs will battle two traditional powers in Ohio State and Alabama for the final spot. And the recent bias may rear its head with a one-sided loss. For​​​​​​all the accomplishments, it is hard to see TCU making the playoffs in this scenario. With Kansas State winning the Big 12’s Sugar Bowl bid, TCU will likely be included in the Cotton Bowl as a consolation prize.

4. TCU and USC lose: Can you say chaos? Imagine both comparing numbers in the admissions room with Ohio State and Alabama. In which case, get ready for the same old, same old playoff with the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide vying for No. 3 and No. 4. Once again, TCU is headed to the Cotton Bowl.

Twitter: @ChuckCarltonDMN

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