NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 7

Yulia Chive

3 min read

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09-01-2025

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NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 7

Week 7 of the NCAA football season delivered thrilling upsets, dominant performances, and plenty of movement in the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. The race for the four coveted playoff spots remains incredibly tight, with several teams vying for position and a few potential contenders already facing an uphill battle. Let's break down the landscape after another wild Saturday of college football.

The Top Contenders:

• Georgia (7-0): The Bulldogs remain the undisputed top team in the nation, showcasing their dominance week after week. Their undefeated record and impressive performances solidify their position at the head of the CFP rankings. Their upcoming schedule will be key in maintaining their spot.

• Michigan (7-0): The Wolverines continue their strong season, proving their Big Ten dominance. Their convincing victories have cemented their place among the top contenders. However, a slip-up could quickly change their fortunes.

• Ohio State (6-1): After a surprising loss earlier in the season, Ohio State has rebounded impressively. Their powerful offense and overall talent still make them a serious threat. Their path to the playoff now hinges on winning out and potentially needing some help from other teams.

• Texas A&M (5-2): The Aggies’ surprising loss to Mississippi State significantly hampered their playoff hopes. While still a strong team, their road to the CFP is now extremely difficult. They'll need a near-perfect finish to the season and some significant upsets from other teams.

Teams on the Bubble:

Several teams remain in contention for a playoff berth, although their margins for error are slim:

• Penn State (6-1): A strong showing in the Big Ten keeps Penn State in the conversation. However, they'll need to win out and hope for some chaos amongst the top teams.

• Clemson (6-1): Despite their loss to Florida State, Clemson's talent and experience still make them a dangerous team. A strong finish to the season could still put them in the playoff hunt, but it will require significant help.

• Utah (5-2): The Utes' Pac-12 dominance keeps them in the conversation. However, a loss earlier in the season makes their path to the playoff incredibly challenging. They’ll need to win every remaining game convincingly and hope other contenders stumble.

Week 7's Impact:

Several games significantly altered the playoff landscape:

• Mississippi State's upset of Texas A&M: This win significantly damaged Texas A&M's playoff hopes, opening the door for other teams to climb the rankings.

• Tennessee's close victory over Alabama: While not a loss for Alabama, this game showed their vulnerability and tightened the SEC race, creating more uncertainty for the playoff picture.

• The continued dominance of Georgia and Michigan: These teams continued to solidify their positions at the top, making their playoff appearances increasingly likely.

Looking Ahead:

The next few weeks will be critical in determining the final playoff participants. Conference championships and head-to-head matchups will play a huge role in shaping the final rankings. Expect more twists and turns as the season progresses towards the exhilarating conclusion. Every game now holds monumental significance for the teams vying for a chance to compete for the national championship.

Key Questions Remaining:

• Can Ohio State run the table and overcome their early-season loss?
• Will any team from the Big Ten besides Michigan or Ohio State make a surprising push for the CFP?
• Can a team from the Pac-12 make a late surge into the playoff conversation?
• How will the SEC race unfold, and will a team besides Georgia be able to earn a playoff spot?

The College Football Playoff race is far from over. The next few weeks promise to be electrifying as teams battle for a spot in the final four. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!