Notre Dame Beats Miami, Georgia Rallies as CFP Rankings Shift

The College Football Playoff picture fractured on Saturday as six teams ranked in the top 15 fell to unranked or lower-ranked opponents. This total ties the record for the most losses by top 15 teams in a single week in the playoff era, which began in 2014. The previous record was set on November 12, 2016.

Notre Dame delivered the week’s most consequential result by defeating No. 1 Miami 31-24 in South Bend. The win reinvigorated the Fighting Irish national title hopes. Quarterback CJ Carr passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Safety Luke Talich intercepted a pass and then broke up a potential tying touchdown intended for Miami tight end Elija Lofton. Miami coach Mario Cristobal disputed the call, arguing Lofton should have been awarded a touchdown. Officials upheld the incomplete pass ruling on replay.

Georgia moved to the top of the power rankings after a 42-7 road victory over Ole Miss. The Bulldogs rushed for 295 yards and built a 35-0 lead by the end of the third quarter. Their defense sacked Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss four times. Chambliss did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time in 22 games. Georgia plays at Missouri and South Carolina in the regular season before facing Georgia Tech.

Utah rose to No. 2 in the AP poll after a win over BYU. Quarterback Devon Dampier scored with both arm and leg. He also caught a 29-yard pass. The Utah defense forced BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier into four interceptions, doubling his season total. This performance marked a statement victory for first-year head coach Morgan Scalley.

UCLA remained at No. 3 despite losing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a season-ending injury. Backup Ty Dieffenbach attempted only eight passes against Minnesota. He completed enough to gain 303 yards. He threw 75-yard touchdowns on consecutive drives to secure the win. This was the Bruins’ ninth victory under first-year coach Bob Chesney.

Alabama won 18 points on the road at LSU after a bye week. Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams returned a punt for a touchdown and later scored a touchdown on a go-ahead play. Quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Texas defeated Missouri 34-20 despite key injuries. Arch Manning led the passing attack, and Graceson Littleton returned a fumble 44 yards in the late game to seal the result.

Tennessee defeated Kentucky 34-6. Tailback DeSean Bishop surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive season. Texas Tech beat West Virginia 53-48 in a game that produced 1,220 total offensive yards. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos passed for 362 yards and five touchdowns. Houston defeated Cincinnati 31-24.

Indiana sits idle before hosting No. 20 USC on Saturday. The upcoming slate of games will further define the playoff field. The current rankings reflect the volatility of the season, with multiple top contenders dropping points in the same week.