Upcoming tests: What every team in the projected CFP field must do to keep its spot
Miami and Georgia face tests
Miami needs to maintain its offensive production after losing receiver Malachi Toney. The article says wins in games it should be able to win would help secure the Hurricanes’ place, while the committee may assess their late-season performance when setting their seed.
Georgia needs to avoid another setback after losing to Auburn. Upcoming games against Ole Miss, Missouri and South Carolina could affect the Bulldogs’ ranking, particularly because those opponents also have reasons to pursue wins.
Utah’s Big 12 opportunity
Utah must avoid a downturn in the Big 12 and protect its chance at a first-round bye. A game against BYU could influence whether the conference places multiple teams in the playoff field.
A loss to BYU, combined with developments in the SEC and Big Ten, could change the conference’s chances. The article says such a defeat would diminish Utah’s season-long work.
Indiana and Alabama need wins
Indiana is off this weekend after losing at home to Ohio State. The article identifies USC, scheduled for Nov. 14, as the other ranked opponent on its schedule and says another loss could hurt the Hoosiers’ case for a high seed.
Alabama cannot afford to lose to LSU, according to the article. The Crimson Tide have already lost twice, and a third defeat could leave their playoff chances in serious doubt; LSU is their only remaining ranked opponent.
Kentucky and Texas face pressure
Kentucky still has games against Tennessee, Florida and Missouri. The article says the Wildcats might withstand a loss to Tennessee, but not losses to Florida or Missouri, which could push them outside the playoff bubble.
Texas already has two losses, and another could put the Longhorns at risk of missing the playoff. The article predicts a three-loss team could make the field this year, but its final discussion of Texas is cut off.
Key points
- Miami needs to sustain its offense without receiver Malachi Toney.
- Georgia’s games against Ole Miss, Missouri and South Carolina could affect its ranking.
- Utah’s matchup with BYU could shape the Big 12’s playoff prospects.
- Alabama and Texas face added pressure after two losses each.