Tom Fornelli's CFP Vibe Check: Good night, Oregon -- your dream season never had a chance
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 12-team College Football Playoff has seen two teams with three losses qualify in its first two years, and the 2026 season may feature even more three-loss teams in the playoff field.
- Oregon's playoff hopes ended after a 21-10 loss to Illinois, marked by offensive struggles and poor game planning under first-year OC Drew Mehringer amid injuries to key players.
- Texas Tech's playoff chances dimmed following a 37-24 loss to Cincinnati, while Texas revived its hopes with a key win over Ole Miss, though both teams face challenging schedules ahead.
- Dark horse teams like Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, and Arizona are emerging as potential playoff contenders due to strong conference performances and upcoming favorable matchups.
- Appalachian State's win over James Madison likely ends the latter's playoff hopes, boosting Boise State and New Mexico as leading Group of Six candidates for the playoff spot.
