Miami Faces Notre Dame as College Football Rankings Shift

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Miami Escapes North Carolina as Notre Dame Showdown Looms

The Miami Hurricanes remained No. 1 after escaping with a 38-35 win over Bill Belichick’s University of North Carolina team. Miami benefited from a couple of favorable calls and now faces a major test against No. 4 Notre Dame on Saturday.

The Miami-Notre Dame matchup could have significant championship implications. If Miami gets past Notre Dame, it has three easier games remaining before the ACC championship. Both Miami and Notre Dame could still make the playoffs even if one loses this weekend.

Georgia remains No. 2 after a fantastic win, while Utah is still undefeated. UCLA has climbed to No. 5 as its schedule has become stronger. The Bruins will close the season with their annual rivalry game against USC.

USC, currently ranked 14th, earned a huge win over No. 2 Ohio State in the rain at a packed Coliseum. USC also faces a more difficult schedule and could bring plenty of firepower into its matchup with UCLA.

Indiana, BYU, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State and Ole Miss are also among the teams shifting around the rankings. Alabama’s lower position is unusual, while the Gators round out the top 25 with a 5-3 record after playing a difficult SEC schedule.

College football’s intense fandom helps distinguish it from the NFL. The connection between fans and their teams feels especially personal, while the games feature unusual formations, dramatic momentum swings, creativity and a willingness to take chances. By comparison, the NFL offers a more refined and precise style of play.

Name, image and likeness opportunities have also changed college football. Some players can remain in college longer, redshirt when possible and continue earning money rather than immediately entering the NFL and accepting a rookie deal.