NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 8

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 8

A chaotic Week 8 has dramatically reshaped the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. Upsets, dominant performances, and nail-biting finishes have left the selection committee with plenty to ponder as we head into the latter half of the season. Let's break down the key takeaways and analyze the current landscape of the CFP race.

The Top Contenders:

• Georgia (8-0): The Bulldogs remain the undisputed No. 1 team in the country. Their dominant performance against Florida solidified their position at the top. Their remaining schedule, while challenging, doesn't appear to present an insurmountable obstacle to a perfect regular season.

• Michigan (8-0): Michigan continues to impress, showcasing a powerful running game and a stout defense. Their convincing victories have cemented their place among the top contenders. Navigating the Big Ten will be crucial for their CFP hopes.

• Ohio State (7-1): After a shocking loss to Michigan State, Ohio State rebounded with a strong performance. Their path to the CFP now relies heavily on winning out, potentially including a rematch against Michigan. A strong finish to the season is paramount for their playoff aspirations.

• TCU (8-0): The Horned Frogs' undefeated season is one of the biggest surprises of the year. Their high-octane offense has propelled them to national prominence. Maintaining their undefeated streak through the Big 12 will be a monumental task, but one that keeps them in the conversation.

The Bubble Teams:

Several teams are vying for those final CFP spots. Their performances in the coming weeks will be pivotal:

• Texas A&M (5-3): A strong finish could still put them in the conversation, but several losses make their chances slim.

• Penn State (6-2): Their loss to Ohio State hurts, but with a strong finish, they could still find themselves in contention. However, their path to the CFP is narrow.

• Utah (6-2): The Utes are a dangerous team with a strong defense. Their remaining schedule offers opportunities for quality wins that will bolster their CFP resume.

Week 8's Impact:

The upsets and surprising outcomes of Week 8 significantly impacted the CFP race. The Michigan State victory over Ohio State demonstrated the unpredictable nature of college football. Meanwhile, TCU's continued success highlights the strength of the Big 12 conference.

Looking Ahead:

The remaining weeks of the season will be crucial in determining the final four teams. Head-to-head matchups, conference championship games, and the overall strength of schedule will play a major role in the selection committee's decisions. One unexpected loss could dramatically alter the landscape, making every game a high-stakes affair.

Conclusion:

The CFP race remains incredibly tight after Week 8. While Georgia and Michigan appear to be in a strong position, Ohio State, TCU, and a handful of other teams are still fighting for a spot. The remaining games promise to be thrilling, with every snap potentially impacting the final playoff picture. Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the regular season.