As the college football season reaches its climactic final stretch, several teams find themselves in the driver's seat, poised to secure a coveted spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. From the powerhouses of the SEC to the upstarts looking to make a statement, the race for postseason glory is heating up, with each team's destiny firmly in their own hands.

Seizing the Moment: Teams Controlling Their Playoff Fate

Clemson and Indiana: Proving Their Worth

Clemson and Indiana have both enjoyed impressive seasons thus far, but their true test lies ahead. Despite their undefeated records, neither team has a marquee win over a ranked opponent, leaving them with something to prove to the College Football Playoff committee. Fortunately, both squads will have the opportunity to make a statement before the season's end.The Tigers will face off against fellow playoff contender Pitt on November 16th, a game that could have significant implications for the ACC and the national landscape. Clemson's season finale against South Carolina on November 30th also presents a potential pitfall, as the Gamecocks have proven to be a tricky opponent this year.For Indiana, the path to the playoff runs through Columbus, where they will take on the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes on November 23rd. A victory over the Buckeyes would all but secure the Hoosiers' spot in the playoff, not to mention a berth in the Big Ten Championship game. With their undefeated record and a chance to take down a powerhouse, the Hoosiers have a golden opportunity to cement their status as a legitimate playoff contender.

Alabama and Texas A&M: Surging in the SEC

In the SEC, Alabama has firmly re-established itself as a playoff contender after a dominant 34-0 victory over a ranked Missouri team in Week 9. The Crimson Tide's earlier win over Georgia has only added to their appeal, making them one of the most attractive two-loss teams in the country. A victory over LSU this weekend would further solidify Alabama's case for a playoff spot.Meanwhile, Texas A&M has been the surprise of the season under first-year head coach Mike Elko. At 7-1 overall, the Aggies are expected to be favored in every game they play for the rest of the season, with the exception of their regular-season finale against in-state rival Texas. A win in that game would likely send Texas A&M to the SEC Championship game and, in turn, a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Pitt: Putting Their Undefeated Record on the Line

Pitt, another team on ESPN's Greg McElroy's list of playoff contenders, will have to navigate a tricky path before they can even think about facing Clemson. The Panthers must first put their undefeated streak on the line against No. 20 SMU before they can turn their attention to the Tigers. A victory over Clemson would not only bolster Pitt's playoff credentials but also shake up the ACC landscape.As the regular season winds down, the race for the College Football Playoff has become increasingly compelling. With several teams in control of their own destiny, the final stretch promises to be filled with high-stakes matchups and intense drama, as each program fights to secure a coveted spot in the expanded postseason tournament.