PASADENA, Calif. — The Rose Bowl is the next stop on No. 1 Oregon's national championship quest. And Ohio State or Tennessee will be the Ducks' opponent in the 111th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All. Oregon (13-0) received the top seed in the first 12-team College Football Playoff on Sunday, sending the Ducks to celebrate the new year in Pasadena for the ninth time in school history as they continue to fight for their first national championship. But first, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes (10-2) and the ninth-seeded Volunteers (10-2) will meet in Columbus on Saturday, Dec. 21, to determine Oregon's opponent in the Rose Bowl Game, which is also a playoff quarterfinal. The first-round matchup pits a pair of college football powerhouses with little history together. The Volunteers beat the Buckeyes 20-14 in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 1996, in the schools' only previous meeting. Ohio State got home-field advantage despite missing out on a Big Ten title game date with Oregon after a humiliating 13-10 loss at home to Michigan last month. The Buckeyes also lost a 32-31 thriller to the Ducks in Eugene in October, but they might still get that rematch in California. Oregon is clearly the class of this jumbled college football season, finishing as the only undefeated team in the FBS and the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 after holding off Penn State 45-37 to win its first Big Ten championship. The Ducks' road to a title looks fairly daunting with two elite opponents vying for their quarterfinal shot, and social media filled up Sunday with fans and commentators bemoaning the relative difficulty of Oregon's path. The rough road doesn't bother Oregon coach Dan Lanning, however. "What an opportunity, right?" Lanning said on ESPN. "We focus on the things that you can control, and winning a national championship isn't supposed to be easy. If our path is a little bit tougher, kudos to us if we go through it and take care of business." For decades, the Rose Bowl cherished its position as a near-annual meeting of teams from the Big Ten and the West Coast conference most recently known as the Pac-12. The breakup of the Pac-12 and the permanent change in the Rose Bowl's postseason position happened simultaneously over the past year, throwing the bowl's future into flux. But Oregon's familiar presence in Pasadena next month will smooth that change significantly — and if the Ducks' opponent is Ohio State, the traditionalists will still get exactly what they crave out of this game anyway. Oregon and Ohio State met in the Rose Bowl in 1958 and again on Jan. 1, 2010, with Terrelle Pryor leading the Buckeyes to a 26-17 victory. Oregon is 4-4 in its previous trips to the Rose Bowl, and the modern Ducks have spent their holiday in Pasadena four times since 2010. They've won in their past three appearances in the Granddaddy, most recently beating Wisconsin 28-27 in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's final game for his hometown school in 2020. Ohio State has made 16 previous appearances in the Rose Bowl, third-most in the game's history behind USC (34) and Michigan (21). The Buckeyes have won their last four games in Pasadena, most recently beating Washington in 2019 and Utah in 2022. A trip to Pasadena would be a treat for Tennessee's vast fan base. The Vols made two trips to the Rose Bowl during the 1940s, but they haven't been back there since 1945. Oregon and Tennessee have faced each other twice, with the Ducks winning both matchups in 2010 and in 2013. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!VP Sara: '2022 presidency was mine already'
Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people around the world for its rich flavor and energizing effects. However, for some individuals, the high caffeine content in coffee can lead to dependency and negative health consequences. In this article, we will explore the changes that occur in the body after quitting coffee for a month, highlighting the potential benefits of kicking the caffeine habit.Title: 12306 Responds to Why Mother and Daughter Can Carry Knives on Board: Blades Under 60mm AllowedAt the age of 58, Gong Li, the renowned Chinese actress, was recently spotted playing badminton late at night. Her passion for the sport not only showcases her vitality but also radiates her charisma.
In conclusion, the recent system malfunction of the National Securities trading app serves as a stark reminder of the risks and pitfalls associated with relying on digital platforms for trading. Users expect and deserve a trading app that is reliable, stable, and secure, and it is up to trading firms like National Securities to deliver on these expectations. Failure to do so not only risks the financial well-being of investors but also damages the reputation and credibility of the firm in the eyes of its clients. As the digital trading landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for trading firms to prioritize the development and maintenance of robust and responsive trading apps to meet the needs of today's investors.In a shocking turn of events, the South Korean Defense Ministry's Counterintelligence Command was raided earlier this week, leading to the seizure of several top-secret documents and information. The unexpected raid has sent shockwaves through the security establishment, raising concerns about potential national security risks and espionage activities.
In a significant move, Guan Zhiou has been appointed as the Party Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), marking a new chapter in the leadership and management of one of China's most crucial government departments.
The case of the female master's degree holder who was taken in for shelter: was she imprisoned? Villagers speak out, sparking controversy over the truth of the incidentIn conclusion, the story of the six first prize winners in the latest Da Le Tou drawing serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of lottery games. With over 56.22 million yuan in prize money awarded in six different locations, the impact of this extraordinary event will be felt for years to come. Let this serve as inspiration for all those who dare to dream and believe in the power of chance and luck in changing their lives for the better.
In a surprising turn of events, Liverpool found themselves benefiting from the player's decline. While his new club struggled to integrate him into their lineup and justify his high wages, Liverpool reaped the rewards of their decision to let him go. The 32-year-old veteran's market value plummeted from 150 million to a mere 6 million, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of football.On the other hand, buyers should conduct thorough due diligence, seek advice from financial advisors, and carefully assess their budget and financing options before committing to a property purchase. With the assistance of experienced real estate agents and legal professionals, buyers can navigate the complexities of the market and negotiate favorable terms to secure their dream home in Beijing.Lane Kiffin is pushing Ole Miss for College Football Playoff bracket and he's got a case
Reverend Franklin Graham on Saturday asked people to pray for Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson as he battles disease. “Would you join me in praying for Phil Robertson, his wife Miss Kay, and their family? Phil is having serious health issues, and his son Jase said he’s in quite a bit of pain and ‘unable to sit down and have a conversation,'” Graham wrote in a social media post. “I’ve appreciated Phil’s bold faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the way he points to the Word of God. Will you lift him up in prayer today?” he added: Would you join me in praying for Phil Robertson, his wife Miss Kay, and their family? Phil is having serious health... Posted by Franklin Graham on Saturday, December 7, 2024 Social media users immediately responded to the request with deep, heartfelt, and sincere prayers. “He has led millions to Jesus; praying for the entire family as they trudge this journey along side of Phil. One day God will call him home and say ‘Well done good and faithful servant, you may enter the kingdom!’ He is a true example of how God can redeem anyone,” one person commented . “Lord be with Phil. Give relief and comfort to him and the family. Thank you Father. Amen,” another user wrote , while someone else prayed , “Praying for complete healing and restoration! God Almighty heal this man! Just like You raised Lazarus! Restore his health completely! Be glorified just as you have done before! In the mighty name of JESUS! Add years to his life! I praise you now! I sing glory hallelujah!!! You are awesome you are mighty! You are our healer!!!” Phil Robertson/Facebook Robertson’s son, Jase, recently said his father had been diagnosed with the “early stages” of Alzheimer’s disease and doctors also believed he had some type of “blood disease,” Breitbart News reported Saturday. He added, “We’re trying to do a lot of things to try to figure out how to make him more comfortable, and maybe help with his memory. There’s a lot of different things that we’re doing.” In March, Robertson’s daughter-in-law, Korie, said thousands of people were baptized after viewing his story of addiction and redemption in the movie The Blind , per Breitbart News: “Phil said, from day one, ‘If it impacts one person, if one person changes their life and gives their life to Jesus, because of my story, because of the darkest parts of my story, I’ll do it. It’ll be worth it,'” Korie explained.
The overseas launch of "Ming Dynasty: Wings of Abyss" promises to be a milestone event in the world of gaming, bringing together players from around the globe to explore the wonders of ancient China and embark on an epic adventure unlike any other. With its stunning visuals, heart-pounding combat, and immersive storytelling, this game is sure to captivate and enthrall audiences of all ages and backgrounds.In light of this tragic event, it is imperative for individuals to approach supplementation with caution and diligence. Rather than succumbing to fear-based motivations or seeking quick fixes, it is essential to prioritize informed decision-making and seek guidance from reputable sources. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can help ensure that supplement choices align with one's specific health goals and needs.Dogecoin is a joke − so what’s behind its rally?
Wang Sicong's Company Faced Forced Execution of 148,000 RMB with Multiple Risk IssuesIn addition to affordability and convenience, living in Fengtai District public rental housing also provides a sense of community. Residents have the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, participate in community activities, and build lasting relationships. Living in a supportive and welcoming environment can enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.
Even if Black Friday itself has now ended, Walmart is continuing to roll out some serious discounts. Whether it's Black Friday weekend or the upcoming Cyber Monday, there are still plenty of opportunities to score big with CNET's shopping experts scouring all of the savings to save you time and money. You can expect to find the best bargains on Apple products , TVs , laptops , small appliances and games on this page. You'll even find deals on workout gear and home goods. Walmart itself is running its Black Friday sale right up until Dec. 1. before Cyber Monday takes over. Both of which are one of, if not the best times of the year to save hundreds or even thousands on products. It's always worth remembering that popular products and big price cuts can disappear quickly. If you come across something you want, this is the time to act. With that in mind, make sure to check back regularly throughout Black Friday weekend and the Cyber Monday sales event, as we’ll keep this page updated with the best Walmart deals. Best Walmart Black Friday deals Size: 42, 46mm | Colors: Black, rose gold, silver One of Apple's latest wearables and our overall favorite smartwatch of 2024 , the Apple Watch Series 10 is currently on sale for the first time since it hit shelves in September. It has a vibrant OLED display, an 18-hour battery life and advanced health monitors like an ECG function. Both the 42mm and 46mm models are currently discounted. Storage: 1TB | Resolution: 4K (2160p) | Frame rate: 120fps Don't miss this rare opportunity to snag Microsoft's next-gen console at a discount. It supports 4K visuals at 120 frames per second and has 1TB of storage. Note that this deal applies only to the white digital-only version. Weight: 6.1 pounds | Mesh filter for blocking hair/dust | HEPA filter | Colors: Gray and silver We named the Tinceo Pure One S11 the overall best cordless vacuum of 2024 . It has 130 watts of suction power, is equipped with a four-stage HEPA filter and weighs in at just over 6 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver. Walmart Black Friday tech deals Size: 45x4.5x3.4 inches | Color: Black and white | Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi This incredible all-in-one soundbar is a great addition to any home. It rarely goes on sale, especially at this great of a discount. Walmart Black Friday TV deals The TCL QM8 earned the top spot on our best TV list this year, and this deal makes it an even better purchase. It's packed with premium features, including a gorgeous, extra-bright mini-LED screen, AI optimization, Dolby Vision IQ support, all the HDMI ports you need and much more. Resolution: 4K UHD | Display Type: Mini-LED QLED | Screen size: 65 inch | Refresh rate: 120 Hz You won't want to miss the best Walmart Black Friday TV sales going on right now. Whether for better resolution or those bumpin' speakers, it's a great time to upgrade your old TV. Walmart Black Friday gaming deals The Nintendo Switch rarely goes on sale, so if you've been eyeing one, now is the time. Enjoy your favorite games at home or on the go with one convenient device. This deal also includes a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so you'll have a fun game to start playing right out the box. Dimensions: 3.93x8.25x10.22 inches | Weight: 0.71 pounds without controllers and 0.93 pounds with controllers Right now you can save big on games, controllers, cases and consoles from top brands like Nintendo or PlayStation . Walmart Black Friday laptop deals If you're looking for a business laptop, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this Lenovo laptop with 16GB of RAM and a 15.6-inch screen. Screen size: 15.6 inches | Color: Black | RAM: 8GB and 16GB Owner of a lagging laptop? Now's the perfect time to upgrade, with the best Black Friday laptop sales . Whether you're looking for a new laptop, Chromebook or Mac , there's a deal for you. Walmart Black Friday kitchen and appliance deals Ninja's 4-quart air fryer is our favorite air fryer of 2024. It's the perfect size, comes in multiple colors to match any kitchen style, and impressed us through several rounds of testing. The Ninja air fryer is small but powerful, and at this price, it's hard to beat. Color: Red, blue and white | Capacity: 4 quarts | Material: Metal Black Friday is the perfect time to revamp your kitchen essentials. From coffee makers to pan sets, we're seeing huge Black Friday kitchen deals . For more deals, check out our best Black Friday deals under $100 . Walmart Black Friday smart home deals This 50- by 60-inch heated throw blanket is a must-have for the cold winter nights ahead. Colors: Blue and brown | Size: 50x60 inches | Material: Flannel and sherpa | Heat source: Electric Need a new bed ? Or maybe a cozy blanket ? Don't miss your chance to save hundreds on home essentials with the best Black Friday deals. Walmart Black Friday headphone deals This is the most affordable pair of Apple earbuds on the market right now. These are great if you're on a budget or if you just love the original look and feel of Apple's popular buds. There are plenty of headphones on sale this Black Friday, from top brands like Apple , Sony and Bose . Now's a great time to take your music experience to the next level. Walmart Black Friday fitness deals This four-in-one portable weight set lets you change between a dumbbell, barbell and kettlebell. Weight: 4 to 60 pounds | Colors: Black and red | Dimensions: 6x4x12 inches | Material: Steel Have you been thinking about upgrading your home gym? The best Black Friday fitness deals will save you big on your next wellness additions. When is Walmart's Black Friday sale? Walmart's 2024 Black Friday sale is happening right now with deals running throughout the entire weekend, but it's not the only sale the retail giant is promoting during this shopping event. There will also be a new collection of deals available for Cyber Monday on Dec. 2, which will start at 5 p.m. ET for Walmart Plus members and 8 p.m. for everyone else. Are Walmart Black Friday deals available both in store and online? Yes, Walmart offered in-store savings for Black Friday but the dates differed compared to the online sales. The first wave of in-person deals kicked off on Nov. 15, with a second wave then following on Nov. 29. Black Friday weekend sales are now taking place online with Walmart's Cyber Monday deals being exclusively available online too.
Kansas holds off Auburn for No. 1 in AP Top 25 as SEC grabs 3 of top 4 spots; UConn slides to No. 25 Kansas continues to hold the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. Auburn is pushing the Jayhawks in the latest poll after winning the Maui Invitational and checked in at No. 2. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly fell out entirely after an 0-3 week at Maui, falling from No. 2 to 25th. The Southeastern Conference had three of the top four teams with No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky behind the Tigers. The poll featured six new teams, headlined by No. 13 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis and No. 18 Pittsburgh. TCU, Duke climb into top 10, Notre Dame drops in women's AP Top 25; UCLA and UConn remain 1-2 TCU has its best ranking ever in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll after a convincing win over Notre Dame. The Horned Frogs jumped eight spots to No. 9, the first time the school has ever been in the top 10. The Fighting Irish, who were third last week, fell seven spots to 10th after losses to TCU and Utah. UCLA remained No. 1, followed by UConn, South Carolina, Texas and LSU. USC, Maryland and Duke are next. How to sum up 2024? The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot' LONDON (AP) — Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” its word of the year. It's defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state,” especially from consuming too much low-grade online content. Oxford University Press said Monday that the phrase “gained new prominence in 2024,” with its frequency of use increasing 230% from the year before. It was chosen by a combination of public vote and language analysis by Oxford lexicographers. The five other word-of-the-year finalists were demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said the choice of phrase “feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology.” Scientists gather to decode puzzle of the world's rarest whale in 'extraordinary' New Zealand study WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Scientists and culture experts in New Zealand have begun the first-ever dissection of a spade-toothed whale, the world's rarest whale species. The creature, which washed up dead on a beach on New Zealand's South Island in July, is only the seventh specimen ever found. None has ever been seen alive at sea. Almost nothing is known about it but scientists, working with Māori cultural experts, hope to answer some of the many lingering questions this week, including where they live, what they eat, how they produce sound and how this specimen died. Hong Kong launches panda sculpture tour as the city hopes the bear craze boosts tourism HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of giant panda sculptures will greet residents and tourists starting on Saturday in Hong Kong, where enthusiasm for the bears has grown since two cubs were born in a local theme park. The 2,500 exhibits will be publicly displayed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s popular shopping districts, this weekend before setting their footprint at three other locations this month. The displays reflect Hong Kong’s use of pandas to boost its economy as the Chinese financial hub works to regain its position as one of Asia’s top tourism destinations. Violent hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence 'has no business being in our league,' coach says JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off the field after taking a violent elbow to the facemask from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. It prompted two sideline-clearing scuffles. Lawrence clenched both fists after the hit, movements consistent with what’s referred to as the “fencing response,” which can be common after a traumatic brain injury. Lawrence was on the ground for several minutes as teammates came to his defense and mobbed Al-Shaair. Lawrence eventually was helped to his feet and loaded into the front seat of a cart to be taken off the field. He was not transported to a hospital. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion, though. Al-Shaair and Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected after the first altercation. Big Ten fines Michigan and Ohio State $100,000 each for postgame melee ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — The Big Ten Conference has announced it fined Michigan and Ohio State $100,000 each for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy for the on-field melee at the end of the Wolverines’ win in Columbus .A fight broke out at midfield Saturday after the Wolverines’ 13-10 victory when Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on the OSU logo and were confronted by the Buckeyes. Police used pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves. One officer suffered a head injury when he was “knocked down and trampled while trying to separate players fighting." The officer was taken to a hospital and has since been released. Marshall Brickman, who co-wrote 'Annie Hall' with Woody Allen, dies at 85 NEW YORK (AP) — The Oscar-winning screenwriter Marshall Brickman, whose wide-ranging career spanned some of Woody Allen’s best films, the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” and a number of Johnny Carson’s most beloved sketches, has died. He was 85. Brickman died Friday in Manhattan, his daughter Sophie Brickman told The New York Times. No cause of death was cited. Brickman was best known for his extensive collaboration with Allen, beginning with the 1973 film “Sleeper.” Together, they co-wrote “Annie Hall," “Manhattan” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery." The loosely structured script for “Annie Hall,” in particular, has been hailed as one of the wittiest comedies. It won Brickman and Allen an Oscar for best original screenplay. 'Moana 2' sails to a record $221 million opening as Hollywood celebrates a moviegoing feast NEW YORK (AP) — “Moana 2” brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend with $221 million in ticket sales. Studio estimates Sunday show that, combined with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas. “Moana 2" blew predictions out of the water, setting a record for Thanksgiving moviegoing. At the same time, the sensation of “Wicked” showed no signs of slowing down with $117.5 million over the five-day weekend. “Gladiator II” collected $44 million. For an industry that’s been battered in recent years by the pandemic, work stoppages and streaming, it was a triumphant weekend that showed the still-potent power of Hollywood’s blockbuster machine. College football players scuffle after flags come out following rivalry wins It was flag day in college football. Michigan, North Carolina State and Florida celebrated road wins by displaying flags on the logos in the middle of their rivals’ stadiums. Arizona State put its own twist on the day with a trident. The results were predictable. Michigan scuffled with Ohio State after a group of Wolverines attempted to plant their flag in the middle of Ohio Stadium. There was a similar scene in North Carolina after at least one N.C. State player tried to plant a Wolfpack flag on UNC’s home field. And another skirmish in Florida after Gators edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. planted a flag on Florida State’s logo.
The propaganda campaigns started even before rivalry weekend began. Then, after Miami lost its grip on a College Football Playoff spot , so many coaches, players and pundits crammed into the spin room that surely some fire code is being broken. We wouldn’t be having this debate if enough teams built their case on the field, but we knew playoff expansion risked watering down the bracket, so we’re left with a handful of teams with flawed résumés arguing for the final spot in a 12-team playoff. No coach works the spin room more vociferously than Mississippi’s Lane Kiffin . He turned his social media feed into a running pitch for his 9-3 Rebels, and he fired a direct shot at South Carolina, another 9-3 team under consideration. “It wasn’t even close,” Kiffin said Sunday, in reference to his team’s 27-3 win on Oct. 5 at South Carolina. "We could still be playing the game, (and) they still might not have scored a touchdown.” Direct hit from the spin room! OK, but what of Alabama, another 9-3 SEC team? The committee ranked Alabama ahead of Ole Miss last week. Both teams won rivalry games against bad opponents by two touchdowns last weekend. That suggests Alabama, at least, blocks Ole Miss’ path, but should it? Let’s unpack this. BOWL PROJECTIONS: Alabama back into the playoff as Texas, SMU move up RE-RANK: Texas moves up, Ohio State tumbles in NCAA 1-134 ranking Bubble watch: Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Miami Four teams populate the debate for the final playoff spot: Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Miami. A fifth team, SMU, would join the mix if Clemson beats the Mustangs in the ACC championship. For the sake of this exercise, assume the Mustangs wins the ACC and eliminates the Tigers. CFP bracket debate depends on what committee values most How you rank this quartet of bubble teams depends on how you value playoff credentials: Fewest losses earns the bid? If you favor the loss-counting contest, then Miami qualifies over three-loss SEC teams, but here’s where I struggle with the Hurricanes : Miami’s résumé ranks worse than that of Brigham Young, another two-loss that placed third in the Big 12. The committee consistently undervalued BYU, to the point that the Cougars aren’t in the playoff conversation. This despite BYU beating the ACC’s best team, SMU, on the road and owning a better strength of schedule than Miami. In the fewest-loss metric, BYU should earn the bid , but the committee shows no interest in that. Team with best wins earns the bid? Alabama owns the best collection of victories, counting pelts against three ranked teams – Georgia, South Carolina and Missouri – plus a trouncing of LSU in Tiger Stadium. Ole Miss also beat Georgia and blew out South Carolina. It lacks a third signature triumph. South Carolina headlines its résumé with wins against Clemson, Missouri and Texas A&M. Miami lags behind in this category, with best wins against Duke, Louisville and Florida. In the best collection of wins metric, Alabama should earn the bid . Reward the hot hand? This becomes South Carolina’s best argument. The Gamecocks won their last six games behind a stiff defense and an improving freshman quarterback, LaNorris Sellers. Miami lost two of its last three. (Can we just eliminate Miami already? Consider it done.) Ole Miss lost on Nov. 23 at Florida, the same day Alabama got blown out at Oklahoma. Nobody in this mix outplayed South Carolina in the second half of the season. In this metric, South Carolina should earn the bid . Value head-to-head results? Here’s where Kiffin shouts, “Scoreboard!” and where I struggle with the Gamecocks. Alabama beat South Carolina 27-25 on Oct. 12 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama used a fourth-quarter rally to win a game that wasn’t decided until the final play. That close result shouldn’t cripple the Gamecocks, but consider what occurred a week earlier, when Ole Miss stormed into South Carolina’s stadium and flat whipped the Gamecocks. Selecting South Carolina over a team from the same conference with an equal record that disemboweled the Gamecocks would diminish the idea that head-to-head results matter. And the committee says they do matter. Head-to-head results are one of the few measures stated explicitly among the CFP’s selection criteria . In a strict evaluation of head-to-head results, Ole Miss should earn the bid . Who has the ‘best’ losses? South Carolina’s three losses came against opponents who are either 8-4 or 9-3. Not bad, right? Well, two of those losses occurred at home. Alabama’s three losses all occurred on the road, but that includes a brutal 24-3 faceplant just two weeks ago to Oklahoma, a team that beat only one other SEC opponent. Alabama also lost to Vanderbilt. Ole Miss lost three games by a total of 13 points. However, its home loss in September to Kentucky (now 4-8) aged like milk left on a pool deck. I struggle to declare a “winner” in this category . Ole Miss lost to the worst team. Alabama lost to two 6-6 teams. South Carolina lost twice at home. How about the eye test? The committee says its duty is to select the best teams, with the caveat that five bids must go to conference champions. If there some straightforward could determine the best teams, we wouldn’t need a committee. Different sets of eyeballs value different teams. My eyes tell me that when each of these bubble teams fires its best fastball, Ole Miss slings the most heat, with a reliable defense and a (usually) competent offense. The Rebels dominated Georgia and smashed South Carolina. No other bubble team looked that good against such a caliber of opponent. By this metric, Ole Miss should earn the bid . Final verdict Unless the committee gets drunk on hurricanes, Miami has no case. If the committee values a two-loss team for the final spot, then pick BYU. That’s not happening, though. In the debate between Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina, each touts an argument, but holes mangle every résumé. Each team failed to earn its way on the field and that leaves them trying to talk their way in through the spin room's back door. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer . The "Topp Rope" is his football column published throughout the USA TODAY Networ k. Subscribe to read all of his column s.