Playoff Politics? Count the Cost — Georgia–Bama, OSU–Indiana & BYU–Tech on the Line

Championship Weekend is here, and the committee shenanigans are already in full swing. Brien and AV break down why Ole Miss holds firm while Florida State got bounced in 2023, how Alabama magically jumped Notre Dame, and what Miami–Notre Dame, BYU, and North Texas mean for the final playoff spots. Then they go game-by-game through Championship Weekend—from Kennesaw State–Jacksonville State and JMU's playoff push to Texas Tech's shot at a bye and a heavyweight Big Ten title clash between Ohio State and Indiana—before closing with Book Club picks and one last chance to make money before bowl season. What's inside: Playoff Committee Games: Ole Miss protection, Alabama's cushion, and why Notre Dame keeps getting squeezed. Miami vs Notre Dame Bubble Watch: Cristobal's "common opponent" argument and how a BYU loss could reshuffle the last at-large bid. Couch Coach Nation Invite: Why CCN exists for real-name, real-respect football talk all year—plus Championship Saturday chat details. Group of Five Title Slate: C-USA: Kennesaw State at Jacksonville State – JSU rematch and why Brien still leans Gamecocks. Mountain West: Boise State vs UNLV – why Boise is still the safer side even with Mullen's adjustments. MAC: Miami (OH) vs Western Michigan – revenge angle, neutral site in Detroit, and split picks on who lifts the trophy. Sun Belt: Troy at James Madison – JMU's playoff resume, common-opponent flex vs Old Dominion, and a "JMU all day" verdict. AAC: North Texas at Tulane – explosive Mean Green offense, committee-rewarded home field for Tulane, and a 45–31 North Texas playoff call. ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia: Mensa vs Jamari Taylor, UVA's run-game control plan, refs conspiracy chatter, and why an ugly UVA win feels inevitable. Big 12 Championship: BYU vs Texas Tech: First matchup breakdown, sacks and run-game issues for BYU, Kalani bump factor, and why Tech still looks like a legit top-four team. SEC Championship: Georgia vs Alabama (Round 2): Early-start warning for Georgia, Stocktons's passing concerns, Kirby's blueprint in Atlanta, and how a third Bama loss affects their playoff case. Big Ten Championship: Indiana vs Ohio State: No. 1 vs No. 2 in both scoring and total defense, Mendoza vs Sayin for a Heisman swing, and why Ohio State still looks like the best team in the country. Book Club Bets: Georgia -2.5 vs Alabama Texas Tech–BYU over 49.5 Bonus: Troy–James Madison over 47.5 with JMU carrying most of the total. Final Push Before Bowls: Who's in, who's out, and why Championship Weekend might hurt as many résumés as it helps.