CFP Playoff: Week 10 Results & Next Rankings

**College Football Playoff Picture Sharpens After Week 10 Shakes Up Contender Landscape**

As the dust settled on a pivotal Week 10 of college football, the race for the coveted College Football Playoff (CFP) spots has both clarified and intensified, setting the stage for eager anticipation ahead of the committee’s second rankings release on Tuesday, November 7th. Coming just days after the inaugural CFP rankings on October 31st, Saturday’s matchups on November 4th offered critical tests for the nation’s top programs.

The trio of Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, all undefeated coming into the weekend, solidified their positions at the top. No. 1 Georgia navigated a tough test against No. 12 Missouri, securing a 30-21 victory to maintain their perfect record and SEC dominance. No. 2 Michigan continued its powerful run, dispatching Purdue 41-13 in a comprehensive performance. No. 3 Ohio State, despite ongoing discussions surrounding its offensive consistency, remained unblemished with a 35-16 win over Rutgers, showcasing their resilience. These three juggernauts appear on a collision course, with their paths to the playoff remaining straightforward if they continue to win.

Also keeping their perfect records intact were No. 4 Florida State and No. 5 Washington. The Seminoles weathered an early scare against Pitt, ultimately securing a 24-7 victory, continuing to answer questions about their strength of schedule simply by winning. Meanwhile, No. 5 Washington delivered perhaps the most thrilling performance among the undefeated, outlasting No. 20 USC in a high-octane 52-42 shootout. The Huskies’ explosive offense, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., left an indelible mark, though their defensive performance continues to draw scrutiny.

The logjam among one-loss teams became even more intriguing after Saturday’s results. No. 7 Texas made a significant statement, outlasting No. 25 Kansas State in a dramatic 33-30 overtime victory. This crucial win, coupled with their head-to-head triumph over Alabama earlier in the season, bolsters their case significantly. No. 8 Oregon showcased its offensive firepower with a dominant 63-19 win over California, proving they remain a formidable threat in the Pac-12.

Perhaps the biggest winner among the one-loss contenders was No. 9 Alabama. The Crimson Tide delivered a vintage performance against No. 13 LSU, winning 42-28 in a game that demonstrated their capacity to play championship-level football. Despite an early-season stumble, Alabama’s resilience and November surge are undeniable, always making them a factor in the playoff picture. The committee will have a challenging task weighing these three strong one-loss teams against each other.

Elsewhere in the rankings, No. 11 Penn State cruised past Maryland 51-15, while No. 10 Ole Miss edged out Texas A&M 38-35. However, not all contenders had a good weekend. No. 14 Oklahoma, which entered the weekend with a single loss, suffered a significant setback, falling 27-24 to No. 22 Oklahoma State in the Bedlam rivalry game. This loss likely knocks the Sooners out of serious playoff contention for the time being. No. 12 Missouri’s loss to Georgia and No. 13 LSU’s defeat to Alabama also further distanced them from the top-four conversation.

As the CFP committee convenes to finalize its latest rankings, they will be meticulously evaluating strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and overall team performance. With conference championship games now squarely on the horizon, the imperative to win out is more critical than ever for every team vying for a spot in the final four. The coming weeks promise more high-stakes football as the contenders jockey for position in an increasingly competitive playoff landscape.