Race for the CFP Week 5: Contenders Emerge After Separation Saturday

Last Saturday in College Football was filled with plenty of ranked matchups. Florida posted a statement 52-28 win over Ole Miss, meanwhile Texas stays perfect after taking care of business at Tennessee — and Iowa jumps into the playoff picture after their ranked road win at Michigan.

Unfortunately for Mizzou, they dropped to No. 25 in the latest AP Top 25 after their 31-24 loss to Mississippi State — as the Bulldogs look the part of a team who can play their way into the mix.

Here’s our latest “Race for the CFP” entering Week 5 of the season.

SEC favorite: Texas

The top-ranked Longhorns’ resume continues to be top-notch after a 20-17 win at Tennessee (which was Arch Manning’s first true road win in regulation). Texas is on their bye week heading into the Red River Rivalry vs a depleted Oklahoma team.

Big Ten favorite: Indiana

The 6th-ranked Hoosiers improved to 4-0 on the season after a 29-23 win over Northwestern. However, Josh Hoover isn’t nearly as good of a quarterback as Fernando Mendoza, which might limit IU’s ceiling. Curt Cignetti’s team will need to win convincingly at Rutgers on Saturday.

Big 12 favorite: BYU

A rare, back-to-back bye weeks for the 10th-ranked Cougars — who are back in action at TCU on Saturday night.

ACC favorite: Miami (FL)

The Hurricanes are firing on all cylinders, ranked No. 4 and 4-0 heading into a Saturday night showdown at an improving Clemson team.

Automatic Bid: Notre Dame

CJ Carr and 3rd-ranked Notre Dame dismantled Purdue 49-10 last week. Notre Dame is at North Carolina on Saturday as double-digit road favorites.

Group of Six Automatic Bid: Boise State

Convincing road wins are hard to come by, but Maddux Madsen and Boise State did exactly that with a 32-7 victory at Western Michigan last week. The Broncos come in at No. 22 in the latest AP Top 25 poll and host Utah State on Saturday.

At-Large Bid Selections:

Georgia:

The Bulldogs come in at No. 2 in the latest AP Top 25 poll having no troubles in a 41-13 win over Oklahoma. UGA hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday in a game they should win with ease.

Ohio State:

The Buckeyes opened Big Ten play with 42-19 win over Illinois last week but could get tested in Iowa City against the Hawkeyes on College Gameday.

Florida:

The Gators look like the real deal under first year head coach Jon Sumrall after a 4-0 start. The 52-28 win over Ole Miss was a statement, and running back Jadan Baugh is a legitimate Heisman contender. Mizzou will have their hands full on Homecoming come Saturday.

Alabama:

The Crimson Tide’s offense is clicking behind quarterback Keelon Russell, averaging 48 points per game. Alabama will have to deal with Kamario Taylor and Mississippi State on the road in Starkville on Saturday.

Ole Miss:

The Rebels’ loss to Florida isn’t a season-ender by any means, especially after the all-important win over LSU. Ole Miss, still in good shape, gets a bye week at a much-needed time as they look to regroup.

Iowa:

The Hawkeyes jump into the playoff picture after a 4-0 start with their road win at Michigan. They host Ohio State on Saturday, but don’t face another ranked team the rest of their schedule.

Top Four Seeds

1) Texas

2) Georgia

3) Notre Dame

4) Miami (FL)

Projected Bracket:

12) Boise State at 5) Ohio State

11) Ole Miss at 6) Indiana

10) Iowa at 7) Alabama

9) BYU at 8) Florida

Final Four Pick:

1) Texas vs 5) Ohio State

2) Georgia vs 3) Notre Dame

National Championship:

Texas over Notre Dame