Cover 3 College Football Podcast Episode: NEW 2025 CFP Rankings Reaction: Georgia Enters Top 4, Miami Creeps Up, BYU OUT
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell, Bud Elliott

Episode Overview

This episode of the Cover 3 College Football Podcast centers on immediate reactions and in-depth analysis of the newly released 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The hosts dissect major shifts, debate potential playoff scenarios, and examine the implications for bubble teams such as Miami, BYU, and others vying for a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff field. The conversation explores conference narratives, committee logic, and offers expert insight into the ever-shifting playoff landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Miami Rises, BYU Falls Out: Bubble Watch

• Miami jumps up to #13 after a convincing win over NC State, moving them two spots higher. However, hosts question if it’s enough for a real playoff shot, discussing the possible need to reach #10.
• BYU drops out of the top 12, now sitting at #11, with Utah (#12) right behind. The intricacy of playoff tiebreakers and the importance of head-to-head matchups are highlighted.

“The bubble is real right now. … for all the teams that we’re looking at, … that 10 is your target.” — Chip Patterson (03:00)

Committee's Logic on Key Teams

• Hosts question the committee’s rationale in keeping Notre Dame steady near the top 10 despite a recent ranked win and debate Oklahoma vs. Miami’s placement relative to Notre Dame.
• Oregon and Ole Miss at 7 and 6: The show considers if Oregon could leapfrog Ole Miss with a statement win over USC, agreeing such a result would help Oregon's case.

“I would fully expect Oregon to jump Ole Miss if they beat USC, because then Oregon has a better win than Ole Miss." — Tom Fornelli (06:37)

Georgia Moves Into the Top 4

• Georgia climbs to #4, while Texas A&M remains at #3; the movement is seen as justified based on recent results.
• The panel notes Tulane is the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, a major boost for the American Athletic Conference.

"If the bracket were today… Miami would not get the fast pass from 13 to 11 unless they win the conference championship." — Chip Patterson (07:19)

Texas Plummets after Georgia Loss

• Texas falls to #17 after their loss to Georgia, sliding further than most expected.
• Hosts question the committee’s stated priority on strength of schedule, observing that teams with more than two losses face almost insurmountable odds.

“I was somewhat surprised. … the takeaway here is the strength of schedule – I don’t think they’re giving it as much weight as they said they would.” — Tom Fornelli (08:31)

Group of Five: The Plight of James Madison

• The committee’s exclusion of James Madison in favor of Arizona State at #25 is viewed as the “final nail” for JMU’s playoff hopes, and a clear sign of committee priorities.

"James Madison got screwed tonight." — Chip Patterson (12:06)

Big 12 and American Conferences Stand Out

• The Big 12 is hailed for a strong rankings night, especially with Arizona State sneaking in at #25, boosting league reputation.
• Tulane’s Power 4 wins and league results are shown as essential for G5 teams seeking playoff spots.

"The committee’s telling you right there — Power 4 wins for G5 teams." — Tom Fornelli (13:07)

The Home Field Playoff Race

• The conversation pivots to the importance of being in the top 8 for a playoff home game: the difference between #8 and #9 is extremely consequential.
• New playoff expansion is forcing everyone—panelists and fans alike—to reframe how they assess the rankings.

"We have never asked the committee to do this much with significance... It’s a whole lot harder to pick 12." — Chip Patterson (19:38)

Conference Scenarios, Playoff Paths, and Tiebreakers

• Hosts explore various scenarios for Miami, Texas, Michigan, and others, including rooting interests and what losses they need elsewhere for a playoff berth.
• Discussion includes the Big Ten’s challenges—three strong teams but potential for the league to end up with none in the playoff if breaks go against them.

“The Big Ten is going to have a very, very, very difficult time... They’re going to need a lot to go their way.” — Tom Fornelli (24:26)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the absurdity of weekly rankings:
  "It is hilarious that the ACC team that can't win the ACC is currently projected as the ACC team... shows the stupidity of doing these rankings every week." — Tom Fornelli (28:02)
• Advice for anxious fans:
  "If you’re—whatever number you are, root for all the teams ahead of you to lose." — Tom Fornelli (25:21)
• On coaching contracts and the value of being #25:
  "A lot of power conference coaches have gotten the contractual payout from being in the 25... then just go lose in the bowl game, finish unranked..." — Chip Patterson (22:29)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• Miami’s Playoff Chances & Target Ranking: 02:51–04:54
• Notre Dame & Oklahoma/Miami Bracketing: 05:09–06:09
• Oregon vs. Ole Miss Argument: 06:09–07:09
• BYU & Utah Bubble Position: 07:19–08:31
• Texas' Surprising Drop: 08:31–10:36
• Big 12’s Rankings Night: 10:36–13:07
• Group of Five / James Madison Exclusion: 11:27–13:07
• Home Field Playoff Discussion: 19:15–21:21
• Big Ten Challenges: 23:28–24:54
• MIami Rooting Interest Guide: 25:03–26:31
• Georgia Tech/Virginia Clinching Scenarios: 26:31–27:40
• SEC/Alabama Championship Scenario: 29:16–30:18

Conclusion & Takeaways

Main Themes:

• The new CFP rankings have injected clarity and chaos into the playoff picture.
• Miami creeps closer but needs help and cannot control its own destiny.
• BYU's exit and Texas’s drop underscore the brutal nature of late-season CFP shuffling.
• Conference perception—especially for the Big 12 and American—matters more than ever.
• The new 12-team format makes top-8 finishes (for home games) immensely valuable.
• Weekly rankings are a source of frustration for both fans and panelists, given their sometimes contradictory signals.

Final Thought:
The playoff race is tighter, messier, and more loaded with drama than ever. Every game, every win over a “Power 4” conference, and every permutation of results matter as teams jostle not just for playoff entry but also for coveted home field advantage in the first round.

For more, tune in to the next episode, where the hosts will break down Week 13’s biggest games and update all the playoff scenarios.