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Notre Dame monitors key Week 8 college football games for playoff impact

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 11:03 AM

Last updated Oct 24, 2026

Notre Dame monitors key Week 8 college football games for playoff impact

Summary

Notre Dame's football team is off this weekend but needs to watch key matchups affecting its College Football Playoff chances. With two top-25 opponents left on the schedule, the Irish lost to BYU last week, reducing their margin for error. Significant games include No. 1 Miami vs. Pittsburgh, where a Miami win benefits Notre Dame. Attention will also be on No. 23 SMU facing California, and No. 7 Ole Miss playing No. 19 Texas. Additionally, No. 14 Houston is up against No. 10 Utah, with results of these games potentially affecting Notre Dame's playoff hopes in the coming weeks.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Notre Dame is off this week; two games left against ranked teams.
•Key games include Miami vs. Pittsburgh and SMU vs. California.
•A BYU win against UCF is favorable for Notre Dame's resume.
•Notre Dame's playoff chances thin following loss to BYU.
•Houston faces Utah; both teams could impact playoff spots.

Latest Updates

11:03 AMYahoo Sports — Notre Dame & the College Football Playoff: Week 8 games to watch

What they're saying

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Notre Dame football won’t be able to control its own fate during Week 8, but these games could play a factor in the fight for a CFP berth.
— Yahoo Sports

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