College Football: 3 Teams That Can Kiss the Playoffs Goodbye
As the College Football season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is becoming increasingly clear. The debut of a 12-team playoff format has been well-received by fans, with some already advocating for an expanded 16-team format next year. The introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals appears to have leveled the playing field somewhat. The gap between powerhouse programs and mid-tier teams has noticeably narrowed. This past Saturday underscored this trend, as several ranked teams, including some in the top 10, suffered losses to unranked opponents.
BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars entered the weekend ranked No. 14, just outside the playoff bracket. Their playoff hopes were slim, with no room for error. Facing No. 21 Arizona State on the road, BYU found themselves trailing 21-3 at halftime. Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Cougars fell short, losing 28-23 to Arizona State. The loss significantly diminished their playoff chances, though they remain alive for the Big 12 Championship. However, with consecutive losses to Big 12 opponents, it’s reasonable to declare BYU’s playoff dreams all but over.
Ole Miss Rebels
The Ole Miss Rebels, ranked No. 9, were in playoff contention after a dominant 28-10 win over Georgia the previous week. Yet, consistency has long eluded Ole Miss teams. This weekend, they traveled to Gainesville to face an unranked but surging Florida Gators team fresh off a win over LSU. Despite quarterback Jaxson Dart throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns, his two interceptions proved costly. Florida capitalized and handed Ole Miss a 24-17 defeat. The loss effectively ended the Rebels’ playoff hopes, regardless of their earlier successes.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Ranked No. 7 entering the week, the Alabama Crimson Tide have been an enigma this season. Despite impressive wins over Georgia, LSU, and Missouri, earlier losses to Tennessee and Vanderbilt raised concerns. Last week’s 52-7 rout of Mercer seemed to suggest they were regaining form. However, their trip to face unranked Oklahoma proved otherwise. The Sooners, a middling 5-5 team in their first SEC season, dominated Alabama. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled, completing under 50% of his passes for just 164 yards and three interceptions. Alabama fell 24-3, likely ensuring that first-year Head Coach Kalen DeBoer will miss the playoffs, a rare outcome for the storied program.
College Football Playoff Standings Before Saturday
1. Oregon (Bye Week)
2. Ohio State (Won vs. Indiana 38-15)
3. Texas (Won vs. Kentucky 31-14)
4. Penn State (Won vs. Minnesota 26-25)
5. Indiana (Lost vs. Ohio State 38-15)
6. Notre Dame (Won vs. Army 49-14)
7. Alabama (Lost vs. Oklahoma 24-3)
8. Miami (FL) (Won vs. Wake Forest 42-14)
9. Ole Miss (Lost vs. Florida 24-17)
10. Georgia (Won vs. UMass 59-21)
11. Tennessee (Won vs. UTEP 56-0)
12. Boise State (Won vs. Wyoming 17-13)
b On the Bubble
13. SMU (Won vs. Virginia 33-7)
14. BYU (Lost vs. Arizona State 28-23)
15. Texas A&M (Lost vs. Auburn 43-41)
16. Colorado (Lost vs. Kansas 37-21)
17. Clemson (Won vs. The Citadel 51-14)