CFP Bracketology: 4 bubble teams that control their playoff destiny entering Week 10

Ohio State must win out

Ohio State sits at No. 12 in the committee’s first CFP ranking and is the first team out, with a Group of 6 automatic bid occupying a spot. The Buckeyes have two regular-season losses, a first since the 2024 season, and need to win their remaining games to reach the Big Ten title game.

The account says Ohio State can return to the playoff field by taking care of its remaining schedule. It also notes the SEC is difficult and the Big 12 unpredictable, leaving the Buckeyes’ fate in their own hands.

Boise State leads Group of 6

The Broncos face Oregon State late in the season and need to win the re-inaugural Pac-12 title to qualify, according to the account. Winning out would make Boise State the first Group of 6 team to appear in multiple CFPs.

USC has a direct route

USC climbed to No. 20 after beating Ohio State, giving Lincoln Riley’s team a renewed path into the playoff discussion. The Trojans face Indiana next and need to win out to reach the Big Ten championship game.

A win over Indiana would give USC head-to-head victories over both Indiana and Ohio State and a direct route to the conference title game. The account says a 10-2 finish with a championship-game appearance would put the Trojans in a strong position, while further losses could bring renewed scrutiny of Riley.

LSU faces a demanding finish

LSU is ranked No. 14 after early losses threatened to derail its season. Lane Kiffin’s team has a difficult run ahead, with Alabama, Texas and Tennessee in consecutive weeks before a season-ending game against Arkansas.

The account says LSU will likely need to win all three ranked matchups and must win its home games against Alabama and Texas. A strong finish, it argues, could make the Tigers difficult for the selection committee to leave out.