College Football Playoff Races Shakes Up After Rivalry Weekend
College football’s landscape shifted drastically after a chaotic Rivalry Week. As the dust settled, several teams saw their Playoff hopes rise, plummet, or remain precarious.
The selection committee faces tough decisions as several conferences vie for the coveted four Playoff spots. Let’s take a closer look at the teams making moves:
Stock Up:
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Tennessee: Despite a slow start against Vanderbilt, the Vols secured a double-digit victory, showcasing their resilience. The win vaulted them into a virtual lock for the College Football Playoff. While their ceiling remains unknown, they’ve solidified their positioning as they aim for a National Championship run.
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Texas: The Longhorns entered Rivalry week already in a strong position, but a victory over Texas A&M cemented their status as SEC contenders. They remain a strong favorite to win the conference title. Their likely high seeding makes them a significant force in the playoff race.
- Clemson: Despite a loss to South Carolina, Clemson’s Playoff odds surprisingly increased this week. This is largely due to Miami’s loss to Syracuse, opening a path for Clemson to potentially clinch a Playoff berth with a win in the ACC Championship Game.
Neutral:
- Ohio State: A loss to rival Michigan dealt a blow to Ohio State’s undefeated season. However, their playoff aspirations remain intact, albeit in a more precarious position. Their strength of schedule and several contending teams in the Big Ten may ultimately work in their favor, but they can’t afford to stumble again.
Stock Down:
- Miami: The Hurricane’s loss to Syracuse was a devastating blow to their playoff hopes. They now hang on a thin thread, hoping for an at-large bid that will heavily rely on conference championship results. The committee may opt for SEC depth orוֹthe overall strength of other contenders like Alabama, leaving Miami on the outside looking in.
Group of 5:
The AAC and Mountain West have all but been eliminated from the playoff race. UNLV’s path to the College Football Playoffs appears increasingly unlikely unless they seize a stunning upset victory over Boise State in the Mountain West Championship Game.
The landscape remains fluid and exciting as the conference championship games approach. Each week presents new storylines and twists, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the fight for College Football Playoff berths intensifies.
"Photo: Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images"
