Why these 8 CFP hopefuls can’t afford a loss this week

A pivotal Week 9 begins

Week 9 marks the start of what the article calls the 2026 season’s “Witching Hour.” Teams currently in the AP Top 25 could fall out of contention, while programs previously dismissed may enter the race. Saturday’s games include less prominent matchups with major playoff consequences. Eight teams in or near the projected 12-team bracket face pressure to avoid a loss that could dim or end their national title hopes.

Wake Forest faces Virginia

Wake Forest has drawn attention as a potential football contender. Its opponent Saturday, Virginia, is 4-4 and was expected before the season to challenge for the ACC title, though the Cavaliers have disappointed so far.

Coach Jake Dickert’s team has one loss: by 13 points to then-No. 5 Miami, now No. 1. A defeat to Virginia could be difficult for the CFP Selection Committee to overlook, especially if the ACC is to receive more than its champion in the bracket. Wake Forest also has No. 15 SMU ahead.

Texas Tech meets surging Arizona

Texas Tech avoided a likely elimination after losing to unranked Cincinnati in Week 8, as BYU also stumbled at UCF that night. The Red Raiders now face No. 22 Arizona, which has won five straight.

A second consecutive loss could push Texas Tech out of the Top 25. The article describes the Big 12 as having difficulty making the case for multiple playoff bids, with two-loss teams likely needing to win the conference title game to remain in contention.

Ole Miss and Texas under pressure

Ole Miss’ hopes took a blow with an upset loss to then-No. 19 Texas. The Rebels next face Auburn, which upset then-No. 1 Georgia before losing to then-No. 18 LSU. A third loss could end Ole Miss’ playoff chances, with No. 10 Alabama still on the schedule.