CFP Top 4: Control Your Destiny After Week 10

**CFP Top Four Solidify Playoff Paths, Control Destiny After Week 10, Per ESPN Analysis**

**BRISTOL, CT – November 8, 2023** – Following the release of the second College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings on November 7th, ESPN’s Bill Connelly has provided a comprehensive breakdown of how Week 10 results have sharpened the playoff picture, particularly for the nation’s top four teams. According to Connelly’s analysis, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida State now sit in an “elite” tier, effectively controlling their own destinies for a playoff berth.

The CFP selection committee’s latest rankings placed Georgia at No. 1, Michigan at No. 2, Ohio State at No. 3, and Florida State at No. 4. These teams reinforced their positions with decisive Week 10 victories. The reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs overcame No. 10 Missouri 30-21 in a significant SEC East clash. Michigan continued its strong run, handling Purdue 24-15. Ohio State dispatched Rutgers 35-16, and Florida State maintained its undefeated record with a 24-7 win over Pitt.

Connelly’s advanced CFP simulation underscores the formidable position of these top four. The analysis indicates Georgia currently boasts a 90% chance to make the playoffs, followed by Michigan at 85%, Ohio State at 82%, and Florida State rounding out this leading group with a 78% probability. Critically, Connelly’s projections reveal a straightforward path for these teams: if any of them win out their remaining schedules, their playoff chances skyrocket to 100%. This “win-out” scenario serves as the golden ticket for an automatic entry into the prestigious four-team bracket.

Just behind this elite quartet, a group of formidable contenders awaits any missteps from above. Texas, currently with a 40% chance, Oregon at 30%, and Alabama at 27%, represent the next tier of hopefuls. Alabama, in particular, saw its playoff odds significantly boosted after a commanding 42-28 victory over No. 13 LSU in Week 10. These teams, however, will likely need assistance – in the form of one or two losses from the teams currently in the top four – to crack the coveted playoff spots.

Despite the strong standing of the top four, their paths are not entirely clear sailing. Major matchups loom on the horizon, most notably the highly anticipated showdown between No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Ohio State, which is guaranteed to shake up the top of the rankings. Conference championship games in early December will also present significant hurdles, where even one upset could dramatically alter the playoff landscape.

As the regular season heads into its final weeks, Connelly’s breakdown highlights that while the top four look strong after Week 10, the “win-out” scenario remains the most crucial determinant for Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida State to secure their places in the College Football Playoff.