The Missouri Tigers have played their way into hosting consideration after a 2-0 start to the season. Welcome to Week 3 of the “Race for the CFP”
The Missouri Tigers (2-0) have opened the season with back-to-back shutouts against Murray State and Buffalo. They’re the only FBS team to do that this season, and the first FBS team to accomplish that since 2019.
With Notre Dame’s huge upset loss to Northern Illinois and Penn State struggling in a 34-24 victory vs Bowling Green, Mizzou moved up to No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
Missouri doesn’t come in that highly ranked in this latest edition of the “Race for the CFP”, but the Tigers are No. 8 — which means they are currently in position to host a first-round playoff game.
Let’s check in on the latest projections entering Week 3 of the season.
Top Four Seeds (Conference Champions):
- Georgia (Projected SEC Champion): In a 48-3 win over Tennessee Tech, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are still the best team in the country unless proven otherwise. Georgia is at Kentucky on Saturday for their SEC opener.
- Ohio State (Projected Big Ten Champion): The Buckeyes are averaging 54 points per game and have yet allowed a touchdown through the first two weeks.
- Miami (Projected ACC Champion): No troubles in a 56-9 win on Saturday vs Florida A&M as Cam Ward continues to put up big numbers. The schedule looks favorable for the Canes.
- Utah (Projected Big 12 Champion): The Utes defense is looking stout after a 23-12 win last week over Baylor. Kyle Wittingham’s team is looking like a well-oiled machine so far. Utah is at Utah State in a rivalry game on Saturday.
Top Contenders (Seeds 5-8):
5. Texas: The Longhorns definitely look like an elite team after a statement 31-12 win on the road at Michigan. They will certainly be a contender to win the SEC and Quinn Ewers is making an early case for the Heisman. They host UTSA on Saturday.
6. Ole Miss: The Rebels came away with a 52-3 blowout win over Middle Tennessee. Their first true test of the season is on Saturday at ACC opponent Wake Forest.
7: Alabama: The Crimson Tide only had a 14-13 lead over South Florida after the 3rd quarter, but they poured it on late to run away with a 42-16 win. Alabama travels up north to Wisconsin on Saturday.
8: Missouri: The Mizzou Football program has opened the season with back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1935.
Stat the night for @MizzouFootball: This is the first time #Mizzou has opened with back-to-back shutouts since 1935 – Don Faurot’s first season as HC – 39-0 over William Jewell and 7-0 over Central Missouri.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 8, 2024
The Tigers host No. 24 Boston College on Saturday for their first true test of the season.
Bubble Teams (IN):
9. Penn State: The Nittany Lions are in for now, but they took a step back in Week 2 after a less than stellar 34-24 win over former Mizzou quarterback Connor Bazelak and Bowling Green.
10. Oregon: After struggling to beat FCS Idaho in Week 1, a 37-34 win over a good Boise State team on Saturday is an improvement. The Ducks are at Oregon State on Saturday in a heated rivalry game.
11: Tennessee: Freshman quarterback Iamaleava and the Vols looked unstoppable in a 51-10 win over NC State in Charlotte. The Volunteers host Kent State on Saturday before their SEC opener at Oklahoma on September 21st.
Group of Five Team:
12. Boise State: Despite the 37-34 loss, the Broncos competed at a high level with Oregon on the road, showing why they’re the best G5 team at the moment. Ashton Jeanty had another big night who currently leads the country in rushing yards, and Boise is looking like the clear favorites to win the Mountain West.
(Northern Illinois is also in consideration here after their upset win over Notre Dame).
Bubble Teams (Outside Looking IN):
Oklahoma State: Good teams find a way to win, and the Cowboys won 39-31 in double overtime at home against an improved Razorbacks team. The Pokes are 2-0 and are at in-state opponent Tulsa on Saturday. However, they still have a little more to prove if they’re playoff worthy.
Oklahoma: Brett Venables’ team struggled in a 16-12 win last week over Houston and the upcoming SEC schedule is brutal for the Sooners, but they will have some massive opportunities.
Kansas State: The 14th-ranked Wildcats host the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats in Manhattan on Friday night. The winner of that game inches closer to playoff consideration.
USC: The Trojans are 2-0 after a 48-0 win over Utah State late Saturday night. Lincoln Riley’s team has a bye week before traveling to Michigan in their Big Ten conference debut at Michigan on September 21st.
Dark Horses/Sleepers:
Nebraska: The Huskers come in at No. 23 in the country after a 28-10 win over Colorado to improve to 2-0. Matt Rhule has the program trending in the right direction and star freshman Dylan Raiola looks like the real deal.
Syracuse: Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord had a big day (381 yards and 4 TDs) in a 31-28 win over a ranked Georgia Tech team. He’s currently third in the country with 735 passing yards through two weeks as the Orange are 2-0 on the season.
Iowa State: The Cyclones are 2-0 and come in at No. 21 in the country after a 20-19 comeback road win over Iowa in the Cy-Hawk on Saturday. Matt Campbell’s team could be a surprise contender in the Big 12.
Boston College: Mizzou’s next opponent is 2-0 and comes in ranked No. 24 in the country. Junior quarterback Thomas Castellanos is off to an impressive start through the first two games this season.
Here is my projected 12-team playoff entering Week 3 of the season:
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Miami
- Utah
5. Texas vs 12. Boise State
6. Ole Miss vs 11. Tennessee
7. Alabama vs 10. Oregon
8. Missouri vs 9. Penn State
CFP Final Four: Texas vs Georgia, Ole Miss vs Ohio State
CFP National Championship: Georgia vs Ohio State
National Champion: Georgia