Nov 11, 2026 · 51 min
Georgia leads a crowded CFP field as Notre Dame sparks debate
Georgia No. 1 in The D.A.’s CFP Top 12 Predictions: Notre Dame, UCLA and Utah Next | College Football Blitz Ep. 589
The projected playoff field exposes how résumé strength, conference affiliation, head-to-head results, and controversial calls could shape the committee’s choices.
- 1The D.A. places Georgia first and Notre Dame second after the Fighting Irish defeated Miami.
- 2UCLA, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana face competing arguments based on schedules, losses, and head-to-head results.
- 3Kentucky emerges as a dark-horse contender while USC, Wake Forest, Houston, and BYU remain on the playoff bubble.
Don't miss
The panel’s extended debate over Notre Dame’s controversial end-zone catch connects one ruling to playoff placement and possible rule reform.
The brief
The D.A. unveils a projected CFP top 12 with Georgia first and Notre Dame second after the Fighting Irish upset Miami, setting up a debate over rankings and résumés.
Notre Dame’s controversial end-zone catch becomes the episode’s central flashpoint, with the panel debating possession rules, whether the call was fair, and whether the rule should change.
The ranking logic turns on schedule strength, head-to-head results, and conference reputation as the panel compares UCLA, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State.
Kentucky is presented as the dark horse because of its strong wins and difficult schedule, while Wake Forest, Houston, BYU, and USC fight for credibility on the bubble.
The discussion closes with possible playoff matchups, USC’s path through its remaining schedule, and renewed criticism of Notre Dame’s special access outside a conference.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.