AP Top 25 Takeaways: Back Door to the College Football Playoff Is Likely to Be Blocked This Season

Washington safety Makell Esteen (24) runs with safety Mishael Powell (3) after making an interception against Washington State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Seattle on Nov. 25, 2023. Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo

The back door to the College Football playoff is unlikely to be open for Ohio State or anybody else next weekend.

A season defined by almost-upsets and favorites finding a way continued during rivalry week with CFP contenders withstanding unranked in-state foes Saturday.