Early Playoff Projections

Ole Miss and Notre Dame survive scares as early college football playoff projections emerge.

Two national title contenders, Ole Miss and Notre Dame, were in trouble in their respective Week 1 games against Louisville and Wisconsin respectively, respectively. Both teams ended up with better wins than most other teams in consideration for the first College Football Playoff top 12 prediction of the season. The quality of opponent is also a factor in the committee's ranking. However, this could change once again in Week 2, when Texas hosts Ohio State. Texas and Ohio State are currently ranked in the top eight of ESPN's strength of schedule metric, which will be a factor for their ranking through Selection Day. The potential for both teams to be lower is also noted due to improvements in their quarterbacks' performance.

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