Notre Dame’s Miami Win Reshapes Playoff Rankings Picture

The College Football Playoff selection committee faces a new No. 1 contender after Notre Dame defeated Miami, which had held the top spot. The Irish led by 21 points before stopping a late Hurricanes rally. A projected ranking puts Notre Dame at No. 5, up from No. 11, and Miami at No. 6, down from No. 1.

Notre Dame had been near the edge of the playoff field, with its schedule viewed as a concern. Its victory over the top-ranked Hurricanes, alongside a schedule now described as among the nation’s top 35, strengthens its case for a higher position.

Tennessee is projected to climb from No. 13 to No. 7 after beating Kentucky 34-6. The Volunteers had previously been ranked behind two-loss Alabama, despite beating the Crimson Tide by 16 points. Kentucky, which entered the weekend at No. 6, is projected to fall to No. 10, though its schedule strength and wins over ranked LSU and South Carolina could help limit the slide.

Texas is projected to rise from No. 7 to No. 4 after beating ranked Missouri on the road by two touchdowns. The Longhorns are 4-0 against teams ranked by the playoff committee and have a win over a team Ohio State also beat.

Ohio State, meanwhile, is projected to drop from No. 12 to No. 18 after losses to USC and Oregon in its past two games. The committee’s rankings are expected to account for the Buckeyes’ wins over ranked Iowa and Indiana as it assesses their position.