In the 10-year history of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, this year's championship weekend is shaping up to be the most consequential yet, with a record-breaking number of teams vying for a spot in the coveted playoff bracket.

As the penultimate CFP rankings are set to be released on Tuesday night, eight teams find themselves with a glimmer of hope to make the field. Even Ohio State, which has faced uncertainty due to a shortened season, is still in contention.

Determining which teams are CFP contenders heading into the championship weekend can be subjective, but a general trend has emerged. More often than not, a Power Five team with only one loss heading into their conference title game remains alive in the playoff race, regardless of whether they win or lose. This guideline has been successfully applied throughout the history of the CFP.

However, it's worth noting that no team with two losses has ever earned a spot in the CFP. Nonetheless, there have been instances when teams with two losses were considered contenders based on their performance in conference title games. A prime example of this is Auburn in 2017.

The anticipation is now building as fans eagerly await Sunday's announcement of the final CFP field. The selection committee faces a meticulous task of scrutinizing each team's record, strength of schedule, and overall performance to determine the four deserving teams.

This year's crowded field of contenders only adds to the excitement and speculation surrounding the playoffs. With so many teams still in the running, college football enthusiasts are eager to witness the thrilling battles that championship weekend will bring.

Only time will tell which four teams will secure their spots in the College Football Playoff and compete for the ultimate prize. Until then, the discussions about potential contenders will continue to fuel the excitement leading up to Sunday's much-anticipated announcement.