College Football: Teams' Playoff Hopes and Bowl Race

Michigan State is mired in a four-game skid and will enter its rivalry game with Michigan as an underdog, needing to contain RB Justice Haynes to regain momentum. No. 8 Ole Miss is in 'must-win' territory after a loss to Georgia and will be underdogs at Oklahoma despite FPI projecting them as favorites in most remaining games. Miami’s loss to Louisville dented its national-title stock—though FPI still projects a 10–2 finish and roughly a 44.8% chance at the College Football Playoff, betting markets and other models have reduced its title odds. Quarterback Carson Beck’s four-interception performance has also hurt his 2026 draft outlook. LSU fell to 5–2 after an SEC loss to Vanderbilt, leaving Brian Kelly’s club with fading CFP hopes as difficult matchups with Texas A&M, Alabama and Oklahoma loom. With bowl eligibility generally requiring six wins, teams across the country are jockeying for postseason spots as the bowl slate runs Dec. 13–Jan. 2 and the CFP national title is set for Jan. 19.