Now that we have cleared the national election, we can focus on what is the really important vote: How the College Football Playoff Committee picked this week! We shift to Tuesday evenings now as this is when the new playoff rankings-seedings get released, and there were significant shake-ups with some significant losses.
From here on out, we’ll go with a split offering, delivering the Playoff Committee rankings and the AP Top-25 poll because you cannot have too much information in order to generate proper barroom arguments.
Ole Miss 28 – Georgia 10
Jaxon Dart had a greatly efficient day as he went 13/22 passing with 199 passing and a touchdown, and 50 yards added on with his legs, while kicker Caden Davis carried the load with five field goals. Dart outdueled Carson Beck who struggled to sustain drives, throwing for 186 yards but no touchdowns, and threw an interception and lost a fumble. Georgia’s playoff hopes faded, and next week’s matchup with Tennessee could make the difference.
Georgia Tech 28 – Miami 23
All season, the Hurricanes have played with fire defensively, and this week they got scorched. The Yellow Jackets’ QB Haynes King controlled the game clock, leaving Miami’s offense sitting for stretches as the running game ate up time and yards. King only threw the ball six times, but he ran for just a hundred as Tech gained 271 yards running. Miami’s Cam Ward could not weave late-game heroics even as he had his usual big stats day, throwing for 348 yards and three strikes.
BYU 22 – Utah 21
The Holy War was a thriller, and the Cougars needed a prayer and maybe had a referee’s blessing in order to drive for the win. The Utes hit three touchdowns in the second quarter for an 11-point halftime lead, but then were shut out in the second half. In the closing minutes, with a fourth down from their own 9-yard line, it appeared BYU was stopped, but a questionable defensive holding call gave BYU a first down and new life. It sparked a final drive, leading to the winning 44-yard kick with four seconds remaining.
Alabama 42 – LSU 13
The Tigers probably are out of playoff hopes with this third loss, as Jalen Milroe ran all over them with a 185-yard 4-TD performance from the pocket.
Boise State 28 – Nevada 21
Ashton Jeanty gave another signature performance with a 209-yard 3-TD game. Despite the win the Broncos slipped one spot but remained in the postseason bracket.
Colorado 42 – Texas Tech 27
Trailing at halftime, the surging Buffaloes racked up 31 second-half points and are striving for committee consideration.
The Playoff Bracket Positions:
Top Seeds (receiving a bye)
Oregon
Texas
BYU
Miami
Seeded Matchups
- Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State
- Penn State vs. 11. Ole Miss
- Indian vs. 10. Alabama
- Tennessee vs. Notre Dame
[Key games: Tennessee @ Georgia / Texas @ Arkansas / Missouri @ South Carolina]
The AP Top-25
Oregon
Ohio State
Texas
Penn State
Indiana
Tennessee
BYU
Notre Dame
Alabama
Ole Miss
Georgia
Miami
Boise State
SMU
Texas A&M
Army
Clemson
Colorado
Washington State
Kansas State
LSU
Louisville
South Carolina
Missouri
Tulane