Filling the Field: The 10 biggest games for teams chasing bowl bids
Much of the college football world focuses on the teams in contention for the College Football Playoff. There's also significant drama at the bottom of the postseason.
The expansion to 40 bowl games this season means 80 spots are open to teams with six or more wins. The question is whether there will be enough teams reaching the threshold or if 5-7 teams will be needed to complete the lineup.
Here's the current situation involving the 127 teams eligible to play in the postseason with three weeks left in the season:
► 63 teams have at least six wins.
► 34 teams already have seven losses.
► That means the 17 available spots must be filled by the remaining 30 teams. How dire is the situation? Thirteen of the 30 teams still eligible already have six losses and must win their remaining games.
Here are some of the key games this week that will determine if the field is filled:
Illinois (5-5) at Minnesota (4-6)
Indiana (4-6) at Maryland
The Big Ten only has seven teams with six or more wins, leaving the conference in danger of not filling all of its spots. The Illini can clinch one this week. That would knock out the Golden Gophers. The Hoosiers have Purdue next week, so a win in College Park would put them in good shape to qualify.
Virginia Tech (5-5) vs. North Carolina
This will be the final home game of Frank Beamer's long career. What a wonderful way to send him out by upsetting the Tar Heels to secure the program's 23rd consecutive bowl berth.
Missouri (5-5) vs. Tennessee
Emotions will also be high in Columbia for Gary's Pinkel's final home game. It's also probably the best opportunity for the Tigers to get their sixth win with a trip to Arkansas upcoming.
Auburn (5-5) vs. Idaho
The Tigers cannot afford to slip up against the Vandals or they will face the daunting task of having to beat Alabama to avoid a losing season.
Arizona State (5-5) vs. Arizona
A rivalry game that can also serve as a win to clinch a bowl berth? It could be quite a night for the Sun Devils if they can pull it off.
Connecticut (5-5) vs. Houston
As daunting a task as it may seem, this could be the best chance for the Huskies to get their sixth win with a trip to Temple next week.
Utah State (5-5) vs. Nevada
The Aggies will get two chances at home to secure their place in the postseason. They probably want to get things over quickly rather than wait for BYU in their final game.
Akron (5-5) vs. Buffalo (5-5)
Either the Zips or Bulls will be bowl-eligible after this game. The loser faces a do-or-die game next week with their postseason on the line.
Florida International (5-6) vs. Western Kentucky
The situation is pretty simple for the Golden Panthers. Find a way to beat the Hilltoppers or their season is over.