Josh Pate considers scenario where Florida makes CFP over LSU despite close loss to Tigers
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida and LSU will each be opening SEC play when they head into their annual rivalry game and both teams will have making the College Football Playoff among their season goals. CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate recently had an interesting thought on why the head-to-head outcome might not decide a Playoff spot even if the Gators and Tigers finish as bubble teams.
Appearing on The Solid Verbal, Pate outlined a scenario where a 9-3 Florida makes the CFP over a 9-3 LSU even if one of UF’s 3 losses is at Death Valley. In his post on X, Pate joked that he shares his “irresponsible thoughts” on other shows.
“I think most of us would agree Florida plays one of, if not the toughest, schedules in the country this year,” Pate said. “Let’s say Florida goes to LSU and loses a competitive game, but finishes 9-3. I think the committee may put Florida in over LSU with the same record and a head-to-head loss because the strength of schedule leans Florida that significantly.”
I tend to drop my most irresponsible thoughts on someone else’s platform
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) August 3, 2025
Could 9-3 Florida lose close at 9-3 LSU and still get the CFP nod due to strength of schedule? pic.twitter.com/DeUl4Co1MD
Pate engaged with commenters, noting a 3-loss Florida team would have plenty of opportunities for impressive wins.
Florida could lose their 3 toughest games in 2025 and still have the following wins
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) August 3, 2025
at Miami
at Texas AM
at Ole Miss
Tennessee
Considering UF losing to LSU and the Gators still making the CFP over the Tigers with the same record may seem a bit wild in August before any games are played, but debating 3-loss teams and head-to-head against strength of schedule certainly happened late last year when Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina were in the mix for a CFP spot.
As for making the Playoff, Billy Napier is looking to guide Florida to its first appearance. Brian Kelly last coached a CFP game in 2020 at Notre Dame. LSU made the Playoff in 2019, winning the national championship.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
