Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State Face Tough Tests as Playoff Picture Shakes Up

Five highly ranked college football teams play challenging games this weekend as the race for the College Football Playoff intensifies. The matchups involve close contests where a single loss could alter a team's standing in the national rankings. This week's slate marks a turning point as the selection committee prepares to evaluate teams for the remaining at-large spots.

No. 2 Georgia travels to No. 10 Ole Miss, who is a 3.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs have scored 20 points or fewer in their last three games, a drop from their average margin of victory of 38 points during their undefeated start. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has beaten Georgia in both of his career starts against the team. A Rebel victory keeps Georgia's SEC championship hopes alive and complicates the playoff picture for other contenders.

No. 3 Utah hosts No. 9 BYU in a game that starts at 10 a.m. local time in Salt Lake City. Utah is currently the projected Big 12 champion, but a loss would hand the conference title race to the Cougars. BYU has won three consecutive games against Utah, breaking a nine-year winning streak held by the Utes. The result will heavily influence which team receives the top seed in the conference.

No. 8 UCLA faces No. 12 Minnesota in a noon Eastern Time kickoff. The Bruins must overcome the travel from the West Coast and the early morning schedule, a logistical challenge they faced earlier in the season. Minnesota sits just outside the rankings after a late overtime loss to Indiana and a win over Iowa. Both teams rely on strong defenses, making the first to score 20 points the likely winner.

No. 7 Texas plays No. 18 Missouri in a game expected to be close. The Longhorns have decided five of their games by a single possession this season. Missouri has a turnover margin of plus-8, second in the SEC, and has committed only five giveaways. Texas is dealing with injuries to key players, including running back Hollywood Smothers and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby. Edge rusher Colin Simmons may return, but his status is uncertain after missing the last two games.

No. 12 Ohio State hosts No. 23 Oregon after a loss to USC last week. The Buckeyes must win to keep their playoff hopes strong. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey makes his second start. Oregon has beaten two ranked teams this season, including Boise State and USC. Ohio State's defense has struggled recently, ranking 12th in the Big Ten in opponents' third-down conversion rate. The Buckeyes are now 6-4 in their last 10 games under coach Ryan Day.

Four teams are currently projected to earn automatic bids as conference champions: Georgia for the SEC, Utah for the Big 12, Miami for the ACC, and UCLA for the Big Ten. No. 1 Miami is not on the upset alert list this week because they are a 7.5-point underdog at Notre Dame and will be without key receiver Malachi Toney. The remaining seven playoff spots will be decided by the committee based on performance through Selection Sunday.