When the College Football Playoff selection committee ranks its top four teams, it doesn't worry about the possibility of rematches in the semifinals (though that's something it does consider when filling out the rest of the New Year's Six bowls).
So yes, if Notre Dame and Clemson ultimately wind up in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, they would play each other for a third time in the same season.
Yay? Or ... nay?
There are certainly some more entertaining options, and here they are, starting with the best potential semifinal and national title game matchups based on realistic scenarios. Check them out before the committee unveils its latest set of rankings tonight (7 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN App).
Note: Alabama-Ohio State was originally unintentionally omitted from this list and has since been added.
1. Alabama vs. Clemson
Did you see what Alabama did to defending national champion LSU last week? Steamrollered. The Tide are on a revenge tour, and Nick Saban could have one more shot at Clemson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who outplayed the Tide in every facet to win the 2018 national title 44-16. Lawrence, then a true freshman, was named the game's most outstanding offensive player, as he finished with 347 yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers. If only the matchup between Lawrence and Mac Jones could happen before Heisman votes are due on Dec. 21.
2. Alabama vs. Notre Dame
The last time we saw this, it was ugly. Point taken. That was waaay back in 2013, though, when Alabama bullied Notre Dame in a 42-14 win in the BCS national championship game. This time has to be better ... right? The Irish's defense has been consistently good this year, save for games against Clemson (40) and Boston College (31) when it gave up at least 30 points in wins. Ian Book has managed the offense with only two interceptions, and the ground game has been one of the nation's best. The question is if Notre Dame could sustain drives long enough to keep Alabama's offense off the field, and if its defense can at least slow down the Tide when it is.
3. Alabama vs. Ohio State
Let's do it again. Same seeding, same bowl. In 2015, the Buckeyes upset the Tide 42-35 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl (the Rose and Sugar both host semifinals this year). It was Cardale Jones-Ezekiel Elliott show, but this year the focus would be on two phenomenal quarterbacks in Jones and Justin Fields. Ohio State is ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, but can they slow down the Tide?
4. Clemson vs. Ohio State
The last time we saw this matchup, it was an instant classic. More, please. Justin Fields and Lawrence went back and forth in the 2019 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, with the Tigers moving on to the national title game in a 29-23 come-from-behind win. Both of these teams have so much elite talent on offense beyond the quarterback position. Which defense can make the most stops? Clemson is No. 11 in the country in shutting down opponents' third-down conversions, while Ohio State is fifth in the country at converting them.
5. Florida vs. Ohio State
This has everything to do with Ohio State's defense against the Gators' offense and two of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country. Can the Gators find an answer for Justin Fields -- a quarterback who just delivered a block on Saturday? If there has been one knock on the Gators this year, it has been their average defense. Who can stop Heisman hopeful Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts? The Buckeyes might have the best chance, as they are No. 8 in the country in defensive efficiency. Florida is No. 3 in offensive efficiency.
6. Ohio State vs. Cincinnati
You've got the in-state storyline. You've got the coaching connection with Bearcats coach Luke Fickell, who was an assistant under Urban Meyer. You've got the Group of 5 in the playoff for the first time. What better way to make history in the CFP than with the Buckeyes and Bearcats? Cincinnati is averaging 40 points per game and almost 6 yards per carry. With so much at stake, it could be a better game than many think.
7. Florida vs. Notre Dame
Like Ohio State, the Irish also have a defense capable of slowing down the Gators. Notre Dame has been one of the best in the country when it comes to stopping opponents on third downs (26.2%), and in points per game (17). They did give up 40 to Clemson, though. Notre Dame's defense would have to play at an elite level in this one; it'd be tough for the Irish to match Florida offensively.
8. Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
This would be a great matchup between quarterbacks AND defenses. Ohio State has played only five games, but it still leads the Big Ten in almost every major offensive category (which is a major reason the committee has the Buckeyes at No. 4).
9. Clemson vs. Notre Dame
Best of three, who's in?! After watching these teams split during the regular season -- with their only loss coming to each other -- this would settle the score. After all, there are no ties in football (anymore).
10. The SEC champ vs. Texas A&M
Whether it's Alabama or Florida, this one ranks low on the list because we've already seen it this season. While the A&M-Florida game was entertaining, watching Alabama handle the Aggies 52-24 on Oct. 3 was not.
11. The SEC champ vs. Cincinnati
Riiight. So, as deserving as Cincinnati might be if it finishes as an undefeated AAC champion, the thought of watching Alabama soundly beat the first Group of 5 team to play in a semifinal is cringe-worthy. It's a scenario that would only give the naysayers more of an argument that the Group of 5 doesn't belong in the CFP and can't hang with the big boys when given the opportunity anyway. A Florida-Cincinnati matchup could be a better game, if only because Florida's defense hasn't been elite.