Two Weeks to Go: The Matchups That Will Shape the 2025 CFP Bracket

With only two weeks left in the season, there are way more teams alive than spots available in the bracket. Teams will start to get picked off, but it’s unclear which ones will. These are the games that carry the most weight as the regular season winds down.

Week 13

Oregon vs. USC

This is the headline matchup of the week, and for good reason. USC is coming off a hard-fought home win over Iowa and still clinging to playoff hopes. A loss would all but end those chances, dropping them to two percent, according to ESPN’s Playoff Predictor.

For Oregon, a loss wouldn’t necessarily eliminate them, but it would make things tricky. Without many marquee wins, the Ducks need this one to stay firmly in control. If they fall to USC, they’ll have to regroup quickly with a tough road trip to Husky Stadium looming in Rivalry Week.

Pitt vs. Georgia Tech

The race for an at-large bid in the ACC is basically over for anyone not named Miami. But the conference champ is guaranteed a playoff spot, and this one could decide who heads to Charlotte. The loser is likely out, while the winner stays alive for both the title and the playoff.

Louisville vs. SMU

Louisville’s playoff hopes ended with last week’s loss to Clemson, but this matchup still carries major implications for SMU and Miami. SMU is still alive in the conference race but can’t afford a slip-up here. A Louisville win would indirectly help Miami’s path to the ACC crown.

BYU vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s loss to Arizona last week took some shine off this game, but it still matters for BYU. The Cougars need to bolster their résumé after falling in the polls following the Texas Tech loss. Outside of a close win over Utah, they don’t have a signature victory, and this one could help change that.

Missouri vs. Oklahoma

Missouri’s playoff dreams ended after a crushing loss to Texas A&M, but they can still play spoiler. The Sooners are fresh off a win at Alabama and remain in the mix, but their margin for error is gone. With Ahmad Hardy heating up and Beau Pribula close to returning, Mizzou could make things very interesting.

Week 14 / Rivalry Week

Michigan vs. Ohio State

As usual, college football’s biggest rivalry will have a major impact on the playoff picture. Ohio State has a spot all but locked up, but Michigan is fighting for its life. The Wolverines have come along faster than expected, and a win at home could vault them into the playoff while keeping the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship.

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia

Clean, old-fashioned hate is always entertaining, and this year’s edition could impact the playoff field. Georgia is in the driver’s seat for a first-round bye, but that could change with a loss. The Yellow Jackets likely need a conference title to feel safe, but an upset here could give them an outside chance.

Pitt vs. Miami

This matchup would lose some shine if Pitt falls to Georgia Tech the week before, but for now, it shapes up as a potential elimination game. Miami has to win out to stay alive, while Pitt must run the table to reach the conference title game. A loss for either team would end playoff hopes for both.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

Believe it or not, Vanderbilt still controls its own destiny. A two-loss SEC team, even Vanderbilt, probably won’t be left out of the top 11. Tennessee isn’t playing for much at this point, but they won’t roll over at Neyland Stadium. Expect a battle, and if Vanderbilt pulls it off, they could sneak into the playoff picture.

Auburn vs. Alabama

The Iron Bowl always delivers drama, and this year’s game has plenty at stake. Auburn is playing for bowl eligibility, while Alabama is fighting for its playoff life. The Tide will be the favorites, but strange things are known to happen in Jordan-Hare. As Nick Saban has often said, that place is haunted. If Auburn pulls the upset, Alabama’s CFP hopes are over.

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