Kirk Herbstreit's new top teams list after Week 9 features a couple of newcomers. He had TCU and Penn State in his top four last week. They are out after TCU was upset by Iowa State and Penn State suffered a loss on an epic comeback from the Buckeyes. Now, Herbstreit has his alma mater in his top four along with the Fighting Irish who defeated N.C. State for the first time in their history.
Clemson took care of business against Georgia Tech while Oklahoma won a shootout with Texas Tech. Herby still likes the Nittany Lions though despite their loss. If they make it to the Big Ten Championship Game somehow and win it, then there's a real chance they get to the College Football Playoff, but they can't lose any more games for sure.
Clemson has a chance to make it in by winning out in the ACC and winning the conference title game as well, but the two teams that make it into the SEC Championship Game may also make it to the Playoff if the score is close enough as Georgia and Alabama have looked absolutely unbeatable this year.
