The top spot in Week 8 was not at risk with Georgia on a bye week. However, several teams in the top five were pushed to their limits by more than 20-point underdogs. Allstate Playoff Predictor: How will Saturday's top games impact the College Football Playoff chase What are the odds of the top four winning? The Allstate Playoff Predictor can provide the answers. Keep checking back each week, as the odds change after each week's games.
Most popular playoff picks Team (Record) Votes Georgia (7-0) 14/14 Cincinnati (7-0) 14/14 Alabama (7-1) 13/14 Ohio State (7-1) 9/14 Michigan (7-0) 5/14 Oklahoma (8-0) 1/14
Cincinnati traveled to Annapolis to take on a Navy team that was 1-5 and a four-score underdog. However, the Midshipmen arrived to play against the Bearcats. Navy led by three at the half, but Cincinnati won the third quarter 14-0 and took control of the game. The Midshipmen scored 10 points straight in the fourth quarter, and even recovered an offside kick down the stretch of 27-20. To keep their undefeated season alive and to help them in the playoffs, the Bearcats intercepted an offensive pass. Cincinnati was unanimously selected this week, despite the close call.
Oklahoma was also tested on Saturday by a 1-5 opposition, but the Sooners did not need a dramatic intercept to remain undefeated. They just needed an explosive second-half. The Jayhawks trailed at halftime against Kansas but Oklahoma's offense recovered its feet and outscored them 35-13 in the second quarter to win the game. The Sooners are one of few undefeated teams in the country and are favorites to be in the CFP field. However, they are not a popular pick after their close game against the Jayhawks.
Alabama was also struggling to keep up with Tennessee in Tuscaloosa. At halftime, Alabama led only 21-14. The Crimson Tide won the fourth quarter and outscored the Volunteers 28-7 to avoid another loss in the SEC. Nick Saban's squad appears on 13 ballots.
Ohio State has rebounded nicely from its Week 2 loss against Oregon with five consecutive wins, including a 54-7 win over Indiana Saturday night. The Buckeyes are on nine ballots after this win streak, ahead of next Saturday's big game against Penn State.
In a win of 33-7 over Northwestern, Michigan eliminated any possibility of an upset. The Wolverines continue to gain playoff momentum, and received five votes this week. Next Saturday, they will face undefeated Michigan State in a fight for the Big Ten lead.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Alabama, 4. Michigan
Kyle Bonagura: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Alabama, 4. Michigan
Bill Connelly: Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Michigan, 4. Ohio State
Heather Dinich: Georgia, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Cincinnati
David M. Hale: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Ohio State, 4. Alabama
Chris Low: 1. Georgia, 2. Alabama, 3. Cincinnati, 4. Ohio State
Harry Lyles Jr. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Alabama, 4. Ohio State
Ryan McGee: 1.Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Michigan, 4. Alabama
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Alabama, 4. Michigan
Alex Scarborough: 1. Georgia, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Cincinnati
Mark Schlabach: 1. Georgia, 2. Alabama, 3. Cincinnati, 4. Ohio State
Paolo Uggetti: 1. Georgia, 2. Ohio State, 3. Alabama, 4. Cincinnati
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Ohio State, 4. Alabama
Dave Wilson: 1. Georgia, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Alabama, 4. Oklahoma
