Several top-20 college football teams fall to third loss, jeopardizing playoff chances
Missouri, LSU, Ohio State, Ole Miss and other ranked programs recorded their third defeats in Week 10, leaving their paths to the 12-team College Football Playoff uncertain.
Week 10 saw six top-20 matchups, but seven teams with playoff aspirations suffered defeats, including Ohio State’s upset loss to Oregon at home. Only No. 1 Miami remains relatively secure in the race.
Missouri (6-3) fell 34-20 to No. 7 Texas, dropping to 6-3 overall. The Tigers still have games against No. 2 Georgia, No. 6 Kentucky and Oklahoma, but analysts note their chances of reaching the playoff are slim after missed field goals and limited yardage in the Texas game.
LSU (6-3) was beaten 31-13 by No. 5 Alabama. To stay in contention, the Tigers must defeat Texas and Tennessee in their remaining contests; a loss in either would likely end their playoff hopes.
Ohio State (6-3) lost 41-28 to No. 23 Oregon. While the Buckeyes are favored in their final three games, they will need assistance from other teams losing additional games to remain in the playoff conversation.
Ole Miss (6-3) was routed 42-7 by No. 2 Georgia. With no remaining games against ranked opponents, the Rebels’ playoff case depends on other contenders faltering, particularly LSU.
Kentucky (7-2) dropped 34-6 to No. 13 Tennessee, falling to 7-2. The Wildcats could still reach the playoff at 9-3, but a loss would likely eliminate them.
Analysts suggest that a 9-3 record may be sufficient for one or two of these teams to earn a spot, but the margin for error is now very narrow with only three weeks left in the regular season.
Other notable results included BYU’s 28-20 loss to No. 3 Utah, and a series of wins by Florida Atlantic, Tulsa, Duke, Baylor and Florida State, while Michigan, Nebraska, TCU, Kansas State and Kansas each recorded defeats.