The Sooners experienced a setback on Saturday.
With signal-caller John Mateer returning to action following hand surgery a mere 17 days prior, Oklahoma aimed to dash Texas’ aspirations of participating in this year’s College Football Playoff while simultaneously bolstering their own chances.
Now, subsequent to Texas’ 23-6 triumph, uncertainties linger regarding the Longhorns’ playoff prospects. They might need to win all their remaining games. Additionally, questions arise concerning Oklahoma’s trajectory.
Mateer threw three interceptions as the Texas defense controlled the flow of the game. Notably, the Texas offensive line, which faced challenges against Florida, wasn’t significantly troubled by Oklahoma’s defensive unit.
Oklahoma commenced the season confronting one of the most demanding schedules in the SEC. The Sooners are set to visit a South Carolina squad eager for a victory in Week 8, followed by four consecutive matchups against teams currently positioned within the top 16 of the AP Top 25 rankings.
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Instead of approaching this stretch with momentum, Oklahoma requires a period of reevaluation. There remains ample opportunity to reenter the playoff discussion. However, as it stands, OU might find itself on the periphery.
Here’s our playoff assessment as we reach the midpoint of the season.
No. 1 Ohio State (6-0, projected Big Ten champion)
The Buckeyes’ defensive dominance encountered an interruption. Illinois became the first team to achieve a red zone touchdown against Ohio State in the Buckeyes’ 34-16 victory. Are there vulnerabilities emerging within the Buckeyes’ structure?
The inquiry is somewhat rhetorical. Ohio State’s defense is exceptional. The Buckeyes caused three turnovers — converting each into touchdowns — while allowing a team to surpass nine points for the first instance this season. When conceding 16 points and securing a three-score win is deemed your least impressive performance, it highlights the caliber of the unit.
No. 2 Miami (5-0, projected ACC champion)
The Hurricanes possess an unusual schedule this season, having already completed both of their bye weeks and preparing to play only one game in 26 days before hosting Louisville on Friday. Will there be any impact from the layoff? Probably not. The Hurricanes’ close win against FSU was largely because of a late, desperate push by the Seminoles.
No. 3 Indiana (6-0, at-large)
Indiana has maintained its position as a playoff contender throughout the season. The Hoosiers recently advanced into the group of potential title contenders following their 30-20 victory over Oregon on Saturday. The Indiana defense is a pivotal component of their success. Oregon was limited to 267 yards and 4.2 yards per play. Following Old Dominion’s 218 rushing yards against the Hoosiers in Week 1, Indiana has conceded just 303 rushing yards across their subsequent five games.
No. 4 Alabama (5-1, projected SEC champion)
Alabama ascends to the top position among SEC teams in our latest forecast following their road victory against Missouri. The Tide executed sufficiently on offense during the second half, culminating in a game-sealing drive featuring two crucial fourth-down throws by Ty Simpson. Following Oregon’s defeat, Simpson now shares the status of co-favorite for the Heisman Trophy with Miami’s Carson Beck at +350. A Week 8 win over Tennessee will solidify Alabama’s position as the frontrunner in the SEC.
Here’s what Nick Bromberg’s College Football Playoff picture looks like after Week 7. (Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
No. 12 Memphis (6-0, projected American champion) at No. 5 Georgia (5-1, at-large)
The Tigers had a bye in Week 7 and were surpassed by South Florida in the AP Top 25. While we still believe Memphis is the top team in the AAC, a definitive answer will arrive when they face the Bulls on Oct. 25. Georgia narrowly avoided a highly debated goal line call late in the first half against Auburn, subsequently dominating the Tigers’ offense in the second half of their 20-10 victory Saturday night.
No. 11 Georgia Tech (6-0, at-large) at No. 6 Texas Tech (6-0, Big 12 champion)
Georgia Tech decisively defeated Virginia Tech on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets surged to a 15-0 lead in the first quarter of their 35-20 victory, with Malachi Hosley rushing 11 times for 129 yards and Haynes King completing nearly every pass. The Hokies also failed to convert any of their eight third-down attempts.
Texas Tech consistently improves, irrespective of the quarterback in action. Will Hammond relieved Behren Morton once more and rushed for two touchdowns in the Red Raiders’ victory over Kansas. Tech will travel to Arizona State in Week 8 and is expected to be heavily favored if ASU QB Sam Leavitt is unable to participate.
No. 10 Notre Dame (4-2, at-large) at No. 7 Ole Miss (6-0, at-large)
Welcome back to the playoff conversation, Notre Dame. Perhaps, we are being premature in our assessment of the Fighting Irish and should observe their performance against USC in the upcoming week. However, this is simply a projection. We retain the option to remove the Irish — potentially for good — following a Week 8 loss. QB CJ Carr is performing well, and the defense is regaining health. Should Notre Dame defeat the Trojans, it is poised to dominate its remaining schedule and secure a playoff berth.
Was Ole Miss potentially overlooking Washington State in anticipation of Georgia? The Cougars engaged in a competitive match with the Rebels on Saturday and came close to achieving the season’s biggest upset. Ole Miss now faces consecutive road games against Georgia and Oklahoma. The upcoming two weeks will provide valuable insights into this team’s capabilities.
No. 9 Oregon (5-1, at-large) at No. 8 Texas A&M (6-0, at-large)
Oregon is projected to hold a 9-1 record prior to their matchup against USC in the season’s penultimate week. Until Saturday, the Ducks had maintained an unbeaten record in regular season play since a 36-33 defeat at Washington on Oct. 14, 2023. The last time Oregon suffered a regular season defeat by more than one score? During a 49-3 loss to Georgia at the start of the 2022 season.
Are we underestimating the Aggies’ potential? Possibly. However, a win against Arkansas in the upcoming week will elevate the Aggies by at least one position in our rankings. A&M successfully managed its game against Florida on Saturday, with the defense forcing two turnovers for the second consecutive game.
