NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 11

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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09-01-2025

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NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 11

The dust has settled on another thrilling week of college football, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is starting to sharpen, though far from solidified. Week 11 saw some upsets, impressive performances, and crucial wins that significantly impacted the rankings. Let's dive into the key takeaways and examine the current landscape of the CFP race.

The Contenders:

Several teams firmly remain in the CFP conversation, each with their strengths and weaknesses:

• Georgia (11-0): The Bulldogs continue their dominant run, showcasing a stifling defense and a potent running game. Their undefeated record puts them in the driver's seat, but a potential SEC Championship game matchup looms large. Any slip-up could significantly impact their position.

• Michigan (11-0): The Wolverines have convincingly dispatched their Big Ten opponents, establishing themselves as a clear frontrunner in the conference. Their strong offense and physical defense make them a formidable CFP contender. A Big Ten Championship victory is crucial for their hopes.

• TCU (11-0): The Horned Frogs' undefeated season has been nothing short of remarkable. Their high-powered offense has consistently outscored opponents, but their relatively weaker strength of schedule compared to other contenders remains a question mark. Navigating the Big 12 Championship will be vital.

• Ohio State (10-1): Despite their loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes remain a powerful team with a potent offense. Their chances now hinge on other teams losing and a strong performance in the Big Ten Championship game, potentially setting up a rematch with Michigan.

The Long Shots:

While their chances are dwindling, these teams haven't been entirely eliminated from the CFP conversation:

• USC (9-2): The Trojans' two losses significantly hurt their chances, although a strong finish to the season could still keep them in the conversation, especially if chaos reigns amongst the top teams.

• LSU (9-2): A strong season with a win over Alabama has kept LSU relevant. However, their path to the CFP is incredibly narrow and dependent on other teams faltering.

Week 11's Impact:

Week 11 served as a crucial turning point for several teams:

• Michigan's Victory Over Ohio State: This resounding win solidified Michigan's position as a top contender and likely eliminated Ohio State from contention unless significant upsets occur.

• TCU's Continued Dominance: Another convincing victory further solidified TCU's undefeated record but highlighted the need for a strong showing in the Big 12 Championship to overcome scheduling concerns.

• Georgia's Continued Unbeaten Streak: Georgia's continued dominance keeps them firmly in the top spot but emphasizes the importance of their upcoming SEC Championship game.

The Road Ahead:

The remaining weeks of the regular season, along with conference championship games, will be critical in determining the final four teams. Upsets are always possible, and the strength of schedule will play a significant role in the selection committee's decisions.

Key Games to Watch:

• SEC Championship Game: Georgia's matchup will be crucial in determining their final ranking.
• Big Ten Championship Game: This game will likely determine the second Big Ten team in the CFP.
• Big 12 Championship Game: TCU needs a strong performance here to cement their position.

Conclusion:

The College Football Playoff race remains incredibly tight after Week 11. While Georgia and Michigan currently hold the strongest positions, TCU and even Ohio State still have a fighting chance. The coming weeks promise thrilling matchups that will ultimately decide the fate of the four teams vying for a national championship. The unpredictable nature of college football ensures that we are in for a wild ride to the end of the season.