Week 8 College Football Playoff Insights: 3-Loss Teams and Vandy’s Rise

The college football landscape is shifting in wild ways as the 2025 season rolls on. Upsets are rattling the College Football Playoff (CFP) race, and the number of unbeaten teams keeps shrinking.

Now, it’s not so far-fetched to think a 9-3 team could sneak into the 12-team Playoff. This week, heavyweights like Miami and Texas Tech stumbled, while Vanderbilt is suddenly in the CFP conversation. Let’s take a look at where things stand, which matchups matter most, and how recent games have changed the playoff picture.

The College Football Playoff Race Heats Up

Week 8 was a bit of a rollercoaster. Only six teams remain unbeaten, and that’s got everyone wondering if a three-loss squad could really make the Playoff. Miami and Texas Tech both lost, which has thrown the door wide open for some unexpected teams.

Miami’s Setback

Miami’s loss to Louisville in the ACC was a gut punch for their perfect season dreams. Still, if you trust Austin Mock’s projections, Miami’s CFP chances are hanging tough at 83 percent.

They’re now 5-1 overall, and 1-1 in the ACC—not bad, but not what they’d hoped for.

Texas Tech’s Fall

Texas Tech had a rough go against Arizona State, and their CFP odds slipped to 57 percent. At 6-1 and 3-1 in the Big 12, they’re still in the hunt for the conference title.

But with BYU as the only unbeaten team left in the Big 12, the pressure’s definitely on.

Surprising Contenders Emerge

Alabama and Georgia are still doing their thing, but they’re not the only ones making noise. Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have grabbed the spotlight with some unexpected wins.

Vanderbilt’s Rise

Vanderbilt’s win over LSU turned some heads and put them firmly in the CFP mix. Sitting at 6-1, they’ve got an 8 percent shot at the Playoff—not huge, but enough to dream.

Big games against Missouri and Texas loom. Coach Clark Lea is keeping the team focused, saying they’re aiming for more than just bowl eligibility.

Georgia Tech’s Magical Season

Georgia Tech is 7-0, and now folks are whispering about a possible CFP berth. They’ve scraped by in some close ones, but their remaining schedule looks friendly and gives them a 48 percent chance to make it.

Coach Brent Key’s crew has shown real grit. If they keep it up, a spot in the ACC title game—and maybe the CFP—could be on the table.

SEC: The Battle Royale

The SEC is as tough as ever. Eight games played on Saturday, and six were decided by just one possession. That’s wild.

The average margin of victory in SEC games this year is only 10 points—the lowest since at least 2000. Every inch counts.

Alabama and Georgia Lead the Way

Alabama and Georgia are still the ones to beat in the SEC. Alabama just beat Tennessee 37-20 and looks set for another double-digit win season.

Georgia’s defense has looked shaky at times, but their CFP odds are still at 81 percent. Nothing’s settled yet, and every game feels massive.

Group of 5 Teams in the Mix

The Group of 5 conferences have their own drama brewing. Boise State’s loss to USF and Notre Dame probably ends their CFP quest, but there’s still hope for teams like Memphis, Navy, and James Madison.

Memphis Faces a Setback

Memphis took a tough loss to UAB, hurting their CFP hopes—but not killing them. Their next game against USF is huge for the American conference race.

Memphis, Navy, and Tulane are all still technically alive in the CFP picture, though it’s a long road.

James Madison’s Dark Horse Run

James Madison is the Sun Belt’s dark horse. Their only loss was to Louisville, and they just crushed Old Dominion 63-27.

The Dukes might not be favorites, but they’re definitely worth keeping an eye on as things play out.

Conclusion

The 2025 college football season? It’s honestly shaping up to be a wild ride. Traditional powerhouses are stumbling, and suddenly, some new faces are crashing the party.

The CFP race feels wide open. Every game is going to matter—maybe more than ever.

Don’t sleep on teams like Vanderbilt or Georgia Tech. Even a few Group of 5 squads could shake things up as the season winds down.

If you want more details or just need a fresh update, check out The New York Times. You’ll find plenty of insights and probably a surprise or two.