College Football Playoff Bubble Watch after Week 8

Key Points:

• Despite setbacks in Week 8, BYU and Utah could both still make the College Football Playoff as Big 12 champion and runner-up, with BYU having key wins over Utah, Notre Dame, and Arizona.
• Miami remains the top playoff contender with a 97.4% chance to reach the CFP, while SMU is a dark horse in the ACC with potential to finish as a one-loss champion or two-loss runner-up.
• In the Big 12, Utah leads but faces a weak schedule, while Arizona is quietly in the mix but needs key wins to improve its résumé.
• UCLA leads the Big Ten with an undefeated record but faces offensive questions, and Ohio State is an enigma due to quarterback uncertainty.
• Georgia tops the SEC but has a challenging schedule ahead, while Florida could boost its playoff chances with a win over Georgia.
• Notre Dame remains a strong independent contender but must avoid a second loss to secure a playoff spot.
• Boise State leads the Group of 6 with a 47.6% chance to reach the playoff, while New Mexico has a chance but a weak schedule may hurt its case.
• Current playoff projections include Miami, Ohio State, Georgia, and BYU receiving first-round byes, with teams like Notre Dame, Boise State, Utah, and Kentucky playing in first-round games.