In a gripping weekend of college football, Ohio State faced yet another disheartening loss to rival Michigan, marking a deeply frustrating chapter in their season. Yet, the most surprising developments unfolded in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where numerous playoff permutations were in play.

The No. 6 Miami Hurricanes suffered a heartbreaking 42-38 defeat at the hands of Syracuse. This loss was pivotal, potentially opening the door for a three-loss Southeastern Conference (SEC) team—be it Alabama, Ole Miss, or South Carolina—to squeeze into the College Football Playoff, casting doubt on the ACC's prospects of sending multiple teams to the postseason. Meanwhile, No. 9 SMU (11-1) might emerge as the only ACC representative if they can overcome No. 12 Clemson—who recently fell to South Carolina—in next week’s ACC Championship showdown.

The two-loss Hurricanes now find themselves in a difficult position with no wins over teams ranked in the College Football Playoff (CFP) top 25. Despite a potent offense starring Cam Ward, Miami’s national title odds have dramatically plummeted from +2600 to a staggering +35000, now trailing teams like Colorado, BYU, and UNLV. This drastic shift excludes the Hurricanes from our grading criteria, which considers only teams with odds of +4000 or better.

Now, let’s dive into how some title contenders fared in this pivotal week leading up to the conference championships.

Oregon

- **Grade: A** | **Title odds: +350** The Ducks completely dismantled Washington, showcasing a formidable defense that racked up 10 sacks in a 49-21 victory. Oregon's perfect 12-0 record sets them up for a matchup against Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. Their running back, Jordan James, exhibited stellar performance with 99 yards and 2 touchdowns, solidifying their status as a top contender.

Texas

- **Grade: A-** | **Title odds: +420** Despite a few shaky moments from quarterback Quinn Ewers, who threw a pick-six, Texas secured a 17-7 victory over Texas A&M thanks to an outstanding defensive stand late in the game. The defense's crucial goal-line stop ensured A&M never regained momentum. Running back Quintrevion Wisner emerged as a standout player, accumulating 186 rushing yards, cementing Texas' capability to compete at the highest level.

Georgia

- **Grade: D** | **Title odds: +450** Georgia narrowly escaped with a win in an eight-overtime thriller against Georgia Tech, but not without controversy, including contentious calls that kept their playoff dreams alive. The Bulldogs’ defense had a rough outing, as they struggled against GT quarterback Haynes King. If this pattern continues, they will need more from QB Carson Beck to contend in the CFP.

Ohio State

- **Grade: F** | **Title odds: +450** The Buckeyes' season took a turn for the worse with a dismal 13-10 loss to Michigan, their fourth in a row to the Wolverines. The game was a harsh reality check for coach Ryan Day, who, despite a talented roster built for a championship run, couldn't muster a victory. Ohio State remains playoff-bound, but the coaching situation raises alarming questions about their future aspirations.

Penn State

- **Grade: A-** | **Title odds: +1000** Penn State rebounded from a slow start—finding themselves down 7-0 early—to dominate Maryland with a commanding 44-7 victory. Their defense proved to be merciless, holding the Terps to a meager 72 total yards and forcing three interceptions from Maryland's quarterback.

Notre Dame

- **Grade: B-** | **Title odds: +1000** The Fighting Irish showcased clutch performances with two game-changing interception returns for touchdowns, leading to a 49-35 triumph over USC, securing a likely playoff berth. While their defense struggled initially, they proved resilient at critical moments.

Tennessee

- **Grade: B** | **Title odds: +1600** Tennessee faced an early 14-0 deficit against Vanderbilt but rallied superbly, with quarterback Nico Iamaleava leading a remarkable comeback. The Volunteers handled pressure and controlled the game for the rest of the way, positioning themselves for a playoff invitation.

Alabama

- **Grade: C+** | **Title odds: +2300** In a somewhat chaotic Iron Bowl, Alabama bested Auburn 28-14 despite a troubling turnover situation. Quarterback Jalen Milroe's mix of brilliance and blunders epitomized the season's rollercoaster ride for the Crimson Tide. Yet, a victory here keeps their playoff hopes alive, thanks to unexpected outcomes elsewhere.

SMU

- **Grade: A** | **Title odds: +3100** After finishing their inaugural ACC season with an impressive 8-0 record, SMU dismantled Cal 38-6. A win against Clemson in the upcoming ACC Championship could not only secure a playoff spot but also a first-round bye—a phenomenal achievement for coach Rhett Lashlee and his team.

Indiana

- **Grade: A+** | **Title odds: +4000** Indiana bounced back from a tough loss to Ohio State by annihilating Purdue with a jaw-dropping 66-0 scoreline. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke dazzled, throwing for 349 yards and six touchdowns, while the defense was stifling, allowing only 67 total yards—setting a record for Indiana as their biggest win over an FBS opponent.

In a season filled with surprises and standout performances, this college football weekend has reshaped the playoff landscape—who will rise, and who will fall, when the bowl games arrive? Keep your eyes peeled as the drama unfolds!