CFP Picture Heats Up: November Playoff Projections

**College Football Playoff Race Intensifies: Undefeated Giants and One-Loss Contenders Brace for November Gauntlet**

As November dawns, the landscape of the College Football Playoff picture is shifting into high gear, promising a month of pivotal matchups that will determine which four teams contend for the national championship. The stakes have never been higher, with several undefeated powerhouses looking to solidify their positions, while a formidable group of one-loss teams stands ready to capitalize on any misstep.

The first official College Football Playoff rankings, typically released in early November, will provide the initial framework for the committee’s thinking, but the on-field results in the coming weeks will be the ultimate decider. Unlike the expanded 12-team playoff format set to debut in 2024, the current four-team structure means every game carries immense weight, especially for teams vying for a coveted spot.

Leading the charge are a handful of teams boasting unblemished 8-0 records, whose paths to the playoff are straightforward: win out, and they’re in.

In the Southeastern Conference, the **Georgia Bulldogs** (8-0) are pursuing a historic third consecutive national championship. Their November schedule includes home games against Missouri and Ole Miss, a challenging road trip to Tennessee, and a regular-season finale against Georgia Tech. If they navigate these tests successfully, they are on a collision course with **Alabama** in the SEC Championship, a game that could determine one, if not two, playoff berths.

The Big Ten features its own pair of undefeated titans in **Michigan** (8-0) and **Ohio State** (8-0). Both teams have navigated the season without a loss, setting the stage for their monumental rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor on November 25. Before that epic clash, Michigan faces Purdue, a crucial road game at Penn State, and Maryland. Ohio State’s path includes Rutgers, Michigan State, and Minnesota before their trip to Michigan. The winner of “The Game,” assuming they remain undefeated up to that point, will almost certainly secure a spot in the playoff, likely as Big Ten champions.

Out of the Atlantic Coast Conference, **Florida State** (8-0) has built a strong resume, highlighted by an early-season victory over LSU. Quarterback Jordan Travis has guided the Seminoles through a challenging schedule. Their November slate includes road games at Pitt and Florida, home matchups against Miami, and a non-conference contest with North Alabama. An undefeated FSU would likely face either Louisville or North Carolina in the ACC title game, with a victory there making their playoff inclusion virtually certain.

Meanwhile, the Pac-12 boasts its own undefeated contender in **Washington** (8-0). The Huskies, led by star quarterback Michael Penix Jr., solidified their standing with a thrilling victory over Oregon. Their road ahead is fraught with danger, featuring road games at USC and Oregon State, plus a home game against Washington State. Should they win out and claim the Pac-12 Championship, potentially in a rematch against Oregon, their strong resume would present an undeniable case to the committee.

However, college football is rarely so tidy, and a single slip-up by any of these top-tier teams would throw the playoff picture into chaos, opening the door wide for a compelling group of one-loss contenders.

**Oregon** (7-1), with their only loss coming to Washington in a nail-biter, remains a formidable force. Quarterback Bo Nix has been exceptional, and the Ducks’ remaining schedule includes Cal, USC, Arizona State, and Oregon State. If they can win out and secure a spot in the Pac-12 Championship, a potential revenge match against Washington for the conference title would significantly boost their playoff hopes.

In the Big 12, **Texas** (7-1) has a major feather in its cap: an impressive road victory over Alabama early in the season. While their loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry stings, that win over the Crimson Tide holds significant weight. The Longhorns face Kansas State, TCU, Iowa State, and Texas Tech. Should they win out and claim the Big 12 Championship, that signature win over Alabama would make their case incredibly strong.

And then there’s **Alabama** (7-1) itself. After an early-season home loss to Texas, the Crimson Tide, under legendary coach Nick Saban, have steadily improved, with quarterback Jalen Milroe developing significantly. Their path to the playoff is challenging but clear: win out against LSU, Kentucky, Chattanooga, and Auburn, then conquer an undefeated Georgia in the SEC Championship. Such a scenario, though difficult, would undoubtedly catapult them back into the playoff conversation.

The next four weeks promise a captivating ride for college football fans, with every game holding playoff implications. Injuries, upsets, and thrilling finishes are an inherent part of the sport, ensuring that the road to the national championship will be anything but predictable. The CFP committee’s task, straightforward if all undefeated teams hold their ground, becomes a complex puzzle with every loss, setting the stage for a frenzied finish to the regular season.