College football fans have already witnessed plenty of chaos and surprises in the race for the College Football Playoff just two weeks into the season. Teams that were once considered favorites have stumbled, while others have exceeded expectations. With the new 12-team Playoff format, an early-season loss doesn’t necessarily spell the end for a team’s championship hopes. In this article, we’ll take a look at which teams are trending up and down in the Playoff projections and analyze their chances of making a run for the title.
**Stock up**
**USC**: The Trojans have seen their Playoff odds rise from 9 percent to 60 percent after a strong start to the season. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, USC has showcased a potent offense and an improved defense. A decisive victory over LSU has bolstered their chances, and with future opponents like Michigan, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin losing ground in the rankings, USC’s path to the Playoff looks promising. If they can navigate their upcoming games against tough opponents unscathed, the Trojans could find themselves in contention for the championship.
**Tennessee**: The Volunteers have made a significant leap in their Playoff odds, going from 18 percent to 55 percent. Led by new starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee has impressed with a top-five offense and a defense that’s proving to be formidable. While road trips to Oklahoma and Georgia, as well as a home game against Alabama, pose challenges, a solid showing in these matchups could solidify their Playoff aspirations. Tennessee has the potential to make a deep run if they can maintain their current level of play.
**Miami**: Despite initial doubts, Miami has emerged as a strong contender in the ACC. With a dominant victory over Florida and a favorable schedule ahead, the Hurricanes have seen their Playoff odds rise from 19 percent to 47 percent. Quarterback Cam Ward has been exceptional, making a case for the Heisman Trophy. Miami’s balanced team, featuring a strong offense and a solid defense, positions them well for success. If they can continue to perform consistently and close out games effectively, the Hurricanes have a real shot at the Playoff.
**Stock down**
**Michigan**: The Wolverines have experienced a significant drop in their Playoff odds, falling from 37 percent to just 5 percent. Despite a win against Fresno State, their lackluster performance and blowout loss to Texas have raised concerns. The offense has struggled to generate explosive plays, while the defense has held its ground. With tough matchups against USC, Oregon, and Ohio State still to come, Michigan faces an uphill battle to secure a Playoff spot. A strong defense alone may not be enough to overcome their offensive shortcomings.
**Notre Dame**: After a promising start with a victory over Texas A&M, Notre Dame suffered a shocking upset loss to Northern Illinois. As a result, their Playoff odds have dropped from 73 percent to 32 percent. The offense has been a major concern, with a poor performance against the Huskies. The defense also struggled to get stops when needed. While the rest of their schedule appears manageable, the loss to Northern Illinois hurts their resume. Notre Dame will need to improve on both sides of the ball and avoid further slip-ups to regain their Playoff hopes.
**Oregon**: Despite a 2-0 record, Oregon hasn’t lived up to preseason expectations. Narrow wins against Idaho and Boise State have led to a slight decrease in their Playoff odds, from 86 percent to 76 percent. The Ducks have struggled to find their rhythm on offense, particularly in the trenches. Their upcoming schedule, which includes games against Ohio State and Michigan, poses challenges that could further test their Playoff aspirations. Oregon will need to address their offensive issues and perform consistently to secure a spot in the Playoff.
In a season filled with surprises, the College Football Playoff race is wide open, and the landscape can change dramatically from week to week. Teams like USC, Tennessee, and Miami have emerged as potential contenders, while Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oregon need to address their shortcomings to stay in the hunt. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these teams navigate their schedules and improve their chances of securing a coveted Playoff spot.