The College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is coming into focus after Week 9, but the battle for the final four spots remains wide open. With top teams faltering and dark horses surging, the debate over contenders, pretenders, and longshots is heating up. Here’s a breakdown of the current CFP landscape and which teams control their destiny—or are clinging to hope.
CFP Locks (For Now)
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Georgia Bulldogs (8-0)
The defending champs crushed Florida 43-20, cementing their dominance. With wins over Kentucky, Auburn, and Florida, Georgia’s path is clear: win out (vs. Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee) and they’re in. Their defense and balanced offense make them the team to beat. -
Michigan Wolverines (8-0)
Michigan annihilated Michigan State 49-0, showcasing their elite form. Though their schedule lacks ranked wins, their November gauntlet (Penn State, Maryland, Ohio State) will decide their fate. For now, they’re a near-lock. -
Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0)
The Buckeyes grinded out a 24-10 win over Wisconsin. Their defense has been stellar, but offensive consistency remains a question. The season-ending clash with Michigan looms as their ultimate test. -
Florida State Seminoles (8-0)
FSU’s 41-16 win over Wake Forest kept their playoff hopes alive. Jordan Travis leads a dynamic offense, and with a manageable schedule (Pitt, Miami, Florida), they’re in pole position—if they avoid a slip.
On the Bubble: Win and Pray
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Washington Huskies (8-0)
Washington’s close calls vs. Arizona State (15-7) and Stanford (42-33) exposed defensive flaws. A brutal November (Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State) will determine if they’re legit or frauds. -
Oregon Ducks (7-1)
Oregon’s lone loss was a heartbreaker to Washington. Dominant since, they need a Pac-12 title rematch—and chaos elsewhere—to vault into the top 4. -
Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1)
Bama’s win over Tennessee kept them alive, but the Texas loss hurts. Winning out (LSU, Kentucky, Auburn) and upsetting Georgia in the SEC Championship is their only path. -
Texas Longhorns (7-1)
Texas’ résumé hinges on their Alabama win, but the Oklahoma loss looms large. Winning the Big 12 convincingly—and hoping for Bama to stumble—is their slim hope.
Effectively Out (But Miracles Happen)
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Oklahoma Sooners (7-1)
Oklahoma’s playoff dreams crashed with a loss to Kansas. Winning out (Oklahoma State, BYU, TCU) and chaos elsewhere might not be enough. -
Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1)
Penn State’s blowout loss to Ohio State left them with no margin for error. Beating Michigan and praying for a two-loss Big Ten champ is their only shot. -
Louisville Cardinals (7-1)
Louisville’s loss to Pitt was catastrophic. Even an ACC title over FSU might not overcome their weak résumé.
What’s Next?
- Week 10’s Key Games: LSU vs. Alabama and Washington vs. USC could reshape the playoff race.
- Chaos Watch: Will an unbeaten fall? Can a one-loss team make a statement?
The CFP drama is just beginning—stay tuned!
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