After Week 10 Chaos, College Football Bracketology: Who’s Moving Ahead of Miami?
A new look at the top
Notre Dame’s victory over Miami disrupted expectations at both ends of the projected 12-team playoff field. Miami had appeared likely to finish unbeaten, but the loss leaves its schedule and strength-of-record standing under greater scrutiny.
Georgia is projected as the SEC champion and top seed after beating Ole Miss. Utah’s win over rival BYU kept the Utes undefeated, added a second victory over a ranked opponent and strengthened their path to the Big 12 title game.
Miami and Big Ten paths
Miami is projected as the ACC champion, though the absence of a win over Notre Dame could weaken its case compared with Utah’s. The Hurricanes’ position will depend in part on how the committee evaluates their schedule and record.
Indiana lost to Ohio State, but Julian Sayin’s injury in that game may have opened a route for the Hoosiers to compete for another Big Ten title. UCLA also remains unbeaten after beating Minnesota on the road, despite using a backup quarterback, and is within reach of the conference championship.
At-large contenders face tests
Alabama strengthened its position with a convincing road win over ranked LSU and sits behind Georgia in the SEC. Notre Dame moved onto the favorable side of the bubble by beating Miami, but Boston College and then SMU await.
Texas took a step forward with a road win over ranked Missouri, with Arch Manning avoiding turnovers. The Longhorns have beaten four ranked opponents and could add another notable win at LSU. Tennessee also improved its case by beating Kentucky after an earlier 16-point win over Alabama; its run game and defense are cited as strengths.
Bubble pressure and Boise State
Kentucky has two losses and little room for further mistakes as other at-large hopefuls compete for places. BYU needs Texas Tech to lose at Oklahoma State or Baylor to reach the Big 12 title game and potentially meet Utah again; its win over Notre Dame has gained value.
Boise State scored 64 points against Colorado State without its starting quarterback. To stay ahead of a resurgent New Mexico team for the Group of Six selection, the Broncos need to beat Oregon State and remain unbeaten.
Key points
- Georgia is projected to earn the top seed after beating Ole Miss.
- Notre Dame’s win over Miami shifted the playoff picture and strengthened its own at-large case.
- Undefeated Utah has a clearer path to the Big 12 title game than BYU.
- Boise State must beat Oregon State and stay perfect to hold off New Mexico.