Minnesota faces uphill climb despite win over Penn State

It was a brilliant weekend of college football, and we had two upset winners in the biggest games. Let's take a look at some of the lessons we learned.

Alabama needs some help to get into the College Football Playoff

Quarterback Joe Burrow was stellar in LSU's 46-41 defeat of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, as he completed 31 of his 39 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns. This all but sealed a Heisman Trophy win for the out-of-nowhere superstar.

Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa played his heart out through an ankle injury and threw for four touchdowns, but was overshadowed by Burrow.

LSU will most likely meet Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, and the winner will likely get a bid to the College Football Playoff. With the loss at home, Alabama needs some help to get in.

Minnesota still faces obstacles

Minnesota is still undefeated after a program-defining victory over Penn State last week, but the Gophers still have plenty of potential landmines ahead. To get into the College Football Playoff, they must defeat Iowa this week, Wisconsin in their final regular-season game and then beat either Ohio State or Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game. A loss in any of their remaining games will almost surely put the Gophers on the outside looking in.

Penn State can win out with victories over Ohio State and Minnesota/Wisconsin and have a prayer of getting in over Oregon or the Big 12 champion.

Baylor could squeak in with a win over Oklahoma

Baylor eked out an overtime victory at TCU last week. The Bears are now 9-0 ahead of this week's headliner game against Oklahoma. If they can upset the Sooners and eventually win the Big 12, I believe Baylor would get into the CFP over a one-loss Alabama squad.

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