Notre Dame stuns No. 1 Miami as Tennessee improves CFP claims; week 10 winners, losers, Kyle Whittingham under pressure in CFB

Notre Dame strengthens its case

Notre Dame answered its challenge with a 31-24 victory over No. 1 Miami, which entered the game 8-1 overall and 6-0 in the ACC. Miami receiver Malachi Toney was absent, but the result also reflected Notre Dame’s play. The Irish have a more manageable schedule ahead and a strong chance to win their remaining games, which could carry them into the College Football Playoff.

Georgia dominates Ole Miss

No. 2 Georgia scored touchdowns on its first three possessions and held a 28-0 halftime lead against No. 10 Ole Miss. The Rebels did not score a touchdown until more than four minutes into the fourth quarter.

Georgia’s decisive win came against a top-10 opponent on the road. With the regular season nearing its end, the Bulldogs look like a leading national title contender.

Alabama deals LSU a blow

LSU’s playoff hopes took a major hit in a 31-13 home loss to No. 5 Alabama. The Tigers fell to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the SEC, while Alabama improved to 7-2 and 5-2 in conference play. The loss leaves LSU needing an extraordinary finish to remain in contention.

Michigan loss raises pressure

Michigan’s first season under Kyle Whittingham suffered another setback in a 15-6 home defeat to Michigan State. The Wolverines had four turnovers, and quarterback Tommy Carr was sacked five times; Michigan did not score until 95 seconds remained.

The loss intensified scrutiny of Whittingham. His former team, No. 3 Utah, is 9-0 after a major win over No. 9 BYU.

Tennessee gets a spark

Ty Dieffenbach, starting for the injured Nico Iamaleava, completed 8 of 16 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His average of 18.9 yards per attempt helped power Tennessee’s offense.

Wayne Knight ran 18 times for 109 yards and a touchdown, recording his fourth 100-yard game of the season and first since Oct. 10.