CFB Playoff Picture 2024-25: Standings, Scenarios, Bracket Predictions After Week 9

The Texas A&M Aggies forced their way into the College Football Playoff conversation with their come-from-behind win over the LSU Tigers on Saturday night.

The Marcel Reed-led comeback put the Aggies firmly within reach of a playoff spot as the only team without a loss in SEC play.

Texas A&M has a good chance to win its next three games, which would potentially set up a rivalry clash with the Texas Longhorns on Thanksgiving weekend between a pair of one-loss programs.

While the SEC appears to have countless playoff contenders still alive, the Big Ten has four clear playoff contenders, led by the top-ranked Oregon Ducks.

Oregon was one of the many Top 25 teams who took care of business in Week 9. The Ducks will watch from afar in Week 10 as the Penn State Nittany Lions and Ohio State Buckeyes battle for the title of second-best team in the Big Ten.

CFB Playoff Predictions

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 25: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos warms up prior to a game against the UNLV Rebels at Allegiant Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

No. 1 Oregon (Big Ten champion)

No. 2 Georgia (SEC champion)

No. 3 Miami (ACC champion)

No. 4 Iowa State (Big 12 champion)

No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas

No. 11 Texas A&M at No. 6 Penn State

No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 Ohio State

No. 9 Clemson at No. 8 Tennessee

Texas A&M Surges into Playoff Conversation with Win over LSU

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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 21: Marcel Reed of the Texas A&M Aggies drops back against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first half at Kyle Field on September 21, 2024 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Texas A&M is now squarely into the playoff conversation with a 7-1 overall record and a 5-0 mark in the SEC.

The Aggies should be a Top 10 team in the updated AP Top 25 on Sunday and they will be favored to win their next three games.

Mike Elko's team is now on a collision course to face Texas on November 30 in a rivalry game that could decide which team goes to the SEC Championship Game and seeding in the CFB Playoff.

With Marcel Reed at quarterback, A&M looks like a true contender. The Aggies scored on all five drives with Reed at the helm on Saturday.

Reed recorded 132 total yards and ran for three touchdowns against a LSU defense that had no clue had to defend the dual-threat quarterback.

He should continue as the starter over Conner Weigman, who was sacked four times and 64 passing yards against LSU.

A&M's ceiling seems to be incredibly high with Reed in charge, and if he plays well over the next three weeks, the Aggies can make a strong case to take down Texas.

Oregon Blows out Illinois to Remain Perfect

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EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 26: Running back Noah Whittington #6 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball into the end zone during the first half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Oregon has looked more and more like the best team in the country in the two weeks since its big win over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Ducks walloped Illinois at home to move to 8-0 and stay on pace to be the top-ranked team in the country in December.

Oregon outscored Illinois and the Purdue Boilermakers by a combined score of 73-9 in the last two weeks.

Dan Lanning's team has four unranked teams left on its schedule. it will be significantly favored in all of those contests, including road trips to face the Michigan Wolverines and Wisconsin Badgers.

The Ducks' biggest remaining test will come in the Big Ten Championship Game. They will get more clarity on who their likely opponent is next week when Ohio State meets the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Alabama, Texas Bounce Back to Keep Places in SEC Hierarchy

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 26: Germie Bernard #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes after a reception against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

Alabama and Texas bounced back from their Week 8 loss with Week 9 victories.

The Crimson Tide surged to a 34-0 victory over a Missouri team reeling with offensive injuries. Quarterback Brady Cook has been dealing with an ankle injury since the first half of the Week 8 win over the Auburn Tigers.

Alabama made up some ground in the SEC standings after LSU's loss to A&M and the November 9 meeting between the Crimson Tide and Tigers will have an elimination feel to it in regard to the playoff.

Kalen DeBoer's team must win in Baton Rouge to feel secure about its status within the top 12. The Tide may not be there right now, but they can make up ground over the next month.

Texas avoided the latest upset bid from the Vanderbilt Commodores to bounce back from the Week 8 loss to Georgia.

Texas is in far better shape than Alabama with one fewer defeat, and as long as it wins out, it will have a shot at the SEC Championship Game, and at minimum, it will be line for one of the top at-large berths in the 12-team field.