SEC Unfiltered: Could Texas A&M football join Alabama and Georgia in playoff? I doubt it

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The question caught me a little off guard, due to its unique phrasing: If Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State make the College Football Playoff, who gets the fourth bid?

That's what guest host Braden Gall asked me Wednesday during an appearance on "The Paul Finebaum Show." It was a twist on asking the more straightforward: Who are your CFP picks? Gall (correctly) assumed that I would have Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia among my playoff quartet, so he cut to the chase.

The trouble in answering that question is there's no clear-cut choice for the fourth spot.

I settled on Clemson, although I don't feel much conviction in that pick.

Clemson must adjust to a pair of new coordinators after offensive mind Tony Elliott left to become Virginia's coach while defensive staple Brent Venables replaced Lincoln Riley as Oklahoma's coach. While the Tigers should remain solid on defense, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei didn't inspire much confidence last season. Perhaps five-star freshman Cade Klubnik will wrestle the job away from Uiagalelei.

But if not Clemson, then who?

Oklahoma isn't as talented as usual. Notre Dame will face an unforgiving schedule. Michigan sustained substantial losses to its 2021 vaunted defense. Ditto for Baylor and Oklahoma State. North Carolina State might be a cute sleeper pick thanks to the return of star quarterback Devin Leary, but, c'mon now: Mississippi State beat the Wolfpack last season.

I even floated the idea of the SEC producing three CFP qualifiers, in this scenario: Alabama runs the table, Georgia goes undefeated until losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship, and Texas A&M sustains a single loss to Alabama.

It's fathomable, although I'm hesitant to put that much stock in the Aggies, Yes, they signed the nation's No. 1-ranked recruiting class, but they endured a swath of departures and were mostly quiet in the transfer portal. Plus, we still don't know who will be A&M's quarterback. That gives me pause, although I love the Aggies' 1-2 playmaker punch in Devon Achane and Ainias Smith.

So, where does that leave us?

With Clemson in the playoff – maybe.

Behind Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia, it's anyone's guess, really.

Blake Toppmeyer is an SEC Columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. If you enjoy Blake’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Could Texas A&M football join Alabama and Georgia in playoff? Doubtful