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Week 7 proved anything but fortunate for three storied college football programs. Notre Dame, Alabama, and Texas all entered the week in solid positions in the College Football Playoff hunt, but their paths to the postseason have grown significantly more difficult.
With 12 teams set to compete in the playoff, the conference champions from the top four leagues and a Group of Five champion are guaranteed spots, leaving only seven at-large berths. The margin for error is razor-thin, and these three powers now face uphill climbs.
Notre Dame's Costly Defeat
The Fighting Irish suffered a 28-24 loss to BYU in Week 7, a game that ended with a controversial missed pass interference call and a clock that appeared to have a second remaining. Despite the setback, Notre Dame only dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 in the AP poll. However, the Irish lack opportunities to bolster their resume. They face No. 1 Miami on November 7, and with No. 23 SMU lurking later on the schedule, Notre Dame cannot afford any missteps in less-heralded matchups or risk falling out of the CFP top 12.
Alabama's Mounting Losses
For Alabama, the problem is not a single loss but a pattern. The Crimson Tide were dismantled 26-10 by Tennessee, marking their second consecutive defeat. Last season, Alabama squeaked into the final playoff spot with a 9-3 record, but even that was a close call. Now, with two losses, ESPN's FPI gives the Tide less than a 50% chance of making the playoff. Alabama still must face LSU on November 7 and has other dangerous games, including the Iron Bowl against an Auburn team that just upset No. 1 Georgia. A 9-3 finish may no longer be enough to secure a playoff berth.
Texas's Precarious Position
Texas finds itself in even more dire straits. The Longhorns have lost two straight, first to Oklahoma and then to Florida, and have tumbled to No. 19. This week, they face No. 7 Ole Miss, and a third loss could essentially eliminate them from playoff contention. Even if Texas survives that test, ranked Missouri and LSU teams remain on the schedule. The Longhorns have just a 41% chance of making the playoff according to FPI, placing them behind Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss in the SEC hierarchy.
Key Analysis
The pressure is mounting for these three traditional powers, each facing distinct but daunting challenges. Notre Dame's lack of quality opponents leaves little room for error, while Alabama's second loss and tough remaining schedule have significantly diminished its margin. Texas, with two losses and a brutal stretch ahead, may need a near-miracle to keep its playoff hopes alive. As the season progresses, the race for those seven at-large spots will only intensify, and these three programs must find a way to recapture their winning form—or risk watching the playoff from home.
Originally reported by headtopics.