The doomsday scenario of the SEC being left out of the College Football Playoff is still a possibility. If there are undefeated champions from the Big Ten, ACC and PAC-12, then the final playoff spot could come down to one-loss teams Alabama, Georgia and Texas. In this scenario, Georgia would not be a conference champion, which the committee has consistently said is a major data point. Alabama would be a conference champion, but it’s hard to imagine the Tide getting in over Texas, which won in Tuscaloosa.

This week’s slate of games is weak. But among the contenders, Texas is the most likely to be knocked from the ranks of the contenders. The Longhorns are 8-point favorites at Iowa State. A win by the Cyclones would eliminate the entire Big 12 and clear up much of this potential mess.

On to the picks, and don’t forget to play along here.

New Mexico State at Auburn (-23.5): Among the “Cupcake Week” opponents, Auburn drew one of the toughest assignments. New Mexico State has already wrapped up a spot in the Conference USA Championship Game. But that may work in Auburn’s favor. Star quarterback Diego Pavia has been playing at less than full speed. There is some speculation that coach Jerry Kill could rest Pavia against the Tigers.

The Aggies are probably more interest in next week’s conference game against Jacksonville State, while Auburn is hitting its stride heading into the Iron Bowl. … Auburn 41-14. (Auburn to cover the spread.)