College Football Playoff Shocks: Virginia, Texas, Penn State Updates

The college football season’s rolling along, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) race is getting wild. Unexpected teams like Virginia are shaking things up, while preseason favorites Texas and Penn State are fighting to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Both Texas and Penn State need to win every game from here on out. The road to Selection Sunday feels packed with twists, turns, and a whole lot of uncertainty.

Let’s dig into where the CFP race stands, what top teams are fighting through, and how a few underdogs are suddenly in the spotlight.

The Struggles of Preseason Favorites

Texas and Penn State started the season ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25. Things haven’t gone to plan—both teams have dropped two games and haven’t pulled off wins against Power 4 opponents.

For Texas, the adjustment’s been rough. Their offense, with Arch Manning at quarterback, just can’t find a groove.

The Longhorns’ latest loss to Florida was tough to watch. Manning got sacked six times, and their offensive line looked overwhelmed. The running game? Pretty much stalled out.

Texas’ Offensive Woes

Coach Steve Sarkisian’s been urging his team to regroup and step up. He told them, This is where you find out about the culture that you have, and that’s what we just talked about as a team.

Their schedule doesn’t cut them any slack. Texas faces No. 5 Oklahoma, No. 16 Vanderbilt, and No. 12 Georgia next. Honestly, with only a 7 percent chance of running the table, the playoff feels like a serious long shot.

Penn State’s Defensive Struggles

Penn State’s had its own issues. Their roster’s loaded with talent, but something’s just not clicking.

Losing to a winless UCLA team stung, especially with all the preseason hype. Coach James Franklin didn’t sugarcoat it, saying, I felt that way, or I wouldn’t have said it. But after two losses, it’s hard for me to answer that question and say that’s the case.

With No. 1 Ohio State and No. 8 Indiana still ahead, Penn State’s odds of winning out sit at 13 percent. It’s not looking great.

The Rise of Virginia

Meanwhile, Virginia’s become the surprise story of the CFP race. They lost early to NC State but have bounced back, matching last season’s win total at 5-1.

The Cavaliers pulled off overtime wins against Florida State and Louisville, showing some real grit. Coach Tony Elliott’s group, led by quarterback Chandler Morris, has a schedule that’s not too daunting—no Miami, Georgia Tech, Clemson, or SMU left to worry about.

Virginia’s Path to Success

Elliott knows his squad’s in a different place this year. He said, This team is kinda in — I wouldn’t say uncharted waters, but every week is new for them.

If they keep navigating their schedule, double-digit wins and a playoff spot aren’t out of the question. The Big 12’s all over the place this year, but Virginia’s steady play could really pay off.

Comparisons to Last Year’s Indiana

Some folks see echoes of last year’s Indiana run in Virginia’s season. The Cavaliers already have a loss, but their knack for winning tight games and taking advantage of their schedule feels pretty familiar.

The big thing? Virginia has to keep their momentum and not slip up against teams they’re supposed to beat. If they do, maybe they’re this year’s breakout team.

Other Contenders and Surprises

Virginia’s not the only one making noise. Cincinnati just beat No. 14 Iowa State, putting themselves in the Big 12 conversation.

Coach Scott Satterfield’s Bearcats have built a high-powered offense and seem hungry for more. Texas Tech’s also quietly sitting at 5-0, with a defense that’s yet to allow more than 14 points in a game.