The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season have intensified pressure on several contenders, with Notre Dame and BYU finding themselves in precarious positions where a single loss could end their playoff hopes. The committee's top 25, released Tuesday, placed Notre Dame at No. 11 and BYU at No. 9, signaling that their resumes are not strong enough to absorb another defeat.
Notre Dame: Win or Rely on Chaos
Despite a 7-1 record, the Irish sit at No. 11 — effectively the last at-large spot when accounting for the Group of Five automatic berth. Their loss came against the best team they have faced, and their best win is either Wisconsin or North Carolina, depending on the metric. This Saturday, Notre Dame hosts Miami in 37-degree weather. The Hurricanes will be without Heisman candidate Malachi Toney. A victory is essential; a loss would leave the Irish needing wins over Boston College, SMU and Syracuse plus significant help elsewhere to reach the playoff.
BYU: Holy War Carries Playoff Weight
The Cougars earned a signature win over Notre Dame last month but followed it with a loss to UCF, a team that subsequently lost 41-9 to Baylor. Ranked No. 9, BYU now travels to face No. 3 Utah in the Holy War. A defeat would likely eliminate the Cougars from playoff contention even if they win out against Baylor, Kansas and Cincinnati. The Big 12's standing with the committee also appears weaker than previously thought, with Texas Tech ranked behind six two-loss Big Ten and SEC teams.
Texas: Road Tests Loom Large
The Longhorns sit at No. 7 despite two losses, buoyed by wins over Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss. However, Texas has played only one true road game — a loss at Tennessee. This week they are a 2.5-point favorite at No. 18 Missouri, essentially a coin flip. A loss would not be fatal but would require winning out, including a daunting trip to LSU next week. The anxiety in Austin is palpable.
Ole Miss: Must-Win Against Georgia
Ranked No. 10, Ole Miss is the third two-loss SEC team in the top 10, behind Alabama (No. 5) and Texas (No. 7). The committee's message is clear: the Rebels cannot afford a third loss. This Saturday they host No. 2 Georgia. Even a win may not fully secure their position, as their resume could weaken if Texas beats Missouri or if LSU loses to Alabama. Remaining games against Oklahoma, Wofford and Mississippi State offer little resume enhancement.
Michigan: Whittingham's Job on the Line
Far from the playoff picture, Michigan (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten) faces a different kind of anxiety. Coach Kyle Whittingham is under scrutiny after uninspiring wins over Penn State and Rutgers. This weekend the Wolverines host a struggling Michigan State team (2-6, 0-5 in conference). A loss to their rival could jeopardize bowl eligibility and likely end Whittingham's tenure, with the final three games at Oregon, vs. UCLA and at Ohio State offering little reprieve.
