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Illinois Football: Everything the Illini need to make the College Football Playoff

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

5. LSU wins SEC West, falters in SEC Championship game

  • LSU wins final 4 games
  • Falls in SEC Championship game to Georgia/Tennessee
  • 3 losses – Eliminated

Originally, I wanted LSU to lose to Alabama because that would get the Tigers out of the way for the rest of the season. But, as I sat here and thought about it longer, I actually want LSU to win.

LSU has a chance to build a pretty good resume this season. They already have a win over then-No. 7 Ole Miss, and they would add to that resume victory over No. 6 Alabama. That is quite an impressive little streak. Yes, it sounds like I am making a case for LSU to do something special, but this would be the best-case scenario for the Illini moving forward.

The final three games after LSU beats Alabama would be relatively easy. That means LSU would win the SEC West and go to the SEC Championship game against either Georgia or Tennessee. You pick your poison.

This is where the Tigers would falter. I don’t think LSU would beat either of those programs. So, I would have LSU losing the SEC Championship game. Yes, they would have a couple of impressive wins, but a loss in the conference title game would give the Tigers three losses for the season. There is no way the selection committee puts in a three-loss team. Getting LSU their third loss in the SEC Championship game would help clear the way for Illinois to make the College Football Playoff.

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