After a season chock-full of upsets, weird results and tremendous twists, the final (and official) College Football Playoff bracket is almost set.

Here’s what we know: Georgia and Michigan are likely locks, regardless of what happens in their conference championship games. TCU, barring a blowout loss in the Big 12 Championship Game, is likely in as well. (Granted, this last part is up for debate.)

The No. 4 spot, however, is very much up for debate depending on what happens next.

We have a clear favorite for that spot, and that favorite will be addressed and celebrated momentarily. We also have a slew of teams lingering, hoping for enough chaos to take shape.

Fight On…to the Postseason

Why is this even a debate? If SC wins the conference, then they will have wins against four teams ranked in the Top 25 and one loss by one point on the road against a top-15 team. They will have finished the season beating three teams in a row ranked No. 16 or higher [at the time of the game]. No other team in the Top 10 will have that résumé. Unless the opposition is undefeated then this really shouldn’t be a conversation.

We begin in the rightful, obvious place. Also, thanks to @konscious7 for doing a lot of the work when it comes to the assessment.

Here’s what we know: USC is in the playoff if it wins the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday night. No drama. No debate. This team with this résumé is getting in with a conference championship. The Trojans can end this debate quickly with a win.

USC’s strength of schedule is playoff-worthy, and it’s only gotten better. While the Trojans are the only projected playoff team to have a loss (at least right now), a conference championship would put them over the top.

A win would also allow USC to avenge its only loss of the year, which isn’t completely necessary, but it doesn’t hurt. USC doesn’t need any help to make the playoff. It needs to beat an extremely talented Utah squad that gave it fits.

It won’t be easy, and a win shouldn’t be assumed.

On that note…