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Oregon on the CFP Edge as Florida Surges and Conference Tests Loom
The Ducks’ road victory restored their playoff hopes, while Miami, Utah and Florida enter conference play with opportunities to strengthen their cases.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Oregon gains ground, but remains vulnerable
Oregon’s win at USC brought the Ducks back into the College Football Playoff discussion without giving them much breathing room. Their No. 12 position in the latest projection would still leave them outside the bracket if Boise State claimed the projected berth reserved for the highest-ranked Group of 6 team. The Ducks delivered their strongest performance of the season against a ranked road opponent, turning to their backup quarterback after Dante Moore was injured. A trip to Ohio State on Nov. 7 remains a major obstacle. Iowa also warrants attention after a 20-19 victory at Michigan preserved its unbeaten record. The Hawkeyes now face Ohio State with a chance to turn a promising start into a stronger playoff argument.
Miami leads the ACC; Utah builds its case
Miami remains the clear ACC favorite, but Saturday’s visit to Clemson brings a test against a team that has recovered from its opening loss to LSU. Clemson has won three straight, most recently beating Cal 24-10. Wake Forest is harder to assess. Road victories over Louisville and Purdue demonstrate its potential, while upcoming matchups with Virginia, SMU and Duke will test whether that success can continue. In the Big 12, Utah strengthened its position with a road victory at Iowa State. The Utes lack Texas Tech’s ranked win over Houston, but their overall statistical performance and Devon Dampier’s efficient quarterback play support their candidacy. Oklahoma State remains an intriguing challenger after beating Oregon and West Virginia.
Florida rises as SEC challenges approach
Florida’s victory over Ole Miss added substance to its playoff bid, pairing a stronger résumé with convincing performances. The Gators still must visit Texas on Oct. 17 before facing Georgia on Halloween, leaving significant hurdles ahead. Mississippi State is another unbeaten SEC contender worth watching after victories over Minnesota, South Carolina and Missouri. Games against Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas will provide a much tougher measure of the Bulldogs’ staying power. Notre Dame, meanwhile, remains in a favorable playoff position, although its schedule so far offers less evidence than those of some other contenders.
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