Week 5 shifts CFP outlook, with Alabama and Missouri in focus
CBS Sports columnist Tom Fornelli’s review of Week 5 points to Alabama’s unbeaten start, Missouri’s win over Florida and mounting challenges for ACC contenders.
Alabama improved to 5-0 with a 56-23 win over Mississippi State, strengthening its position in the College Football Playoff discussion. In CBS Sports’ Week 5 assessment, columnist Tom Fornelli highlighted quarterback Keelon Russell’s ability to respond to pressure: despite being sacked four times, Russell threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
Missouri also moved into the conversation after beating Florida 28-0. Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns, while the Tigers’ defence held Florida to 17 points after the Gators had averaged 53.5. CBS Sports reported Missouri’s sportsbook odds of reaching the playoff improved from +1200 to +700.
Pitt’s win over Virginia Tech came with a major setback: quarterback Mason Heintschel reportedly tore his ACL. Fornelli’s account said Pitt’s odds weakened from +500 to +1050 after the injury. Those figures are sportsbook odds, not official College Football Playoff probabilities.
Miami beat Clemson 41-13, while other results further narrowed the apparent field of ACC contenders. Fornelli pointed to uncertainty around Pitt without Heintschel and the records and schedules facing other teams in the conference.
The Big Ten picture also shifted. Minnesota beat Michigan 20-14 and Ohio State defeated Iowa 31-14. Fornelli identified Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon as the conference teams that still appeared most firmly in the playoff mix, while noting that other contenders could emerge.
