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Big Ten Setbacks Shake College Football Playoff Hopes

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Several Big Ten football programs experienced setbacks over the weekend, affecting their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes.
USC lost to Notre Dame, Nebraska fell to Minnesota, and Washington was defeated by Michigan, which remains a contender for a fourth CFP spot.
Illinois, which did not play, moved up to No. 23 in the AP Top 25 due to other teams' losses.
A win against Washington next week could improve Illinois' CFP chances, as they have two losses to top-ranked teams.

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Story summary

Several Big Ten football programs experienced setbacks over the weekend, affecting their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes.
USC lost to Notre Dame, Nebraska fell to Minnesota, and Washington was defeated by Michigan, which remains a contender for a fourth CFP spot.
Illinois, which did not play, moved up to No. 23 in the AP Top 25 due to other teams' losses.
A win against Washington next week could improve Illinois' CFP chances, as they have two losses to top-ranked teams.