Top 10 College Football Playoff Contenders After Week 9

The Big 12 is still a wide-open conference, but right now TCU appears to be the favorite. The Horned Frogs have the nation's highest scoring offense, averaging 50.4 points per game. Quarterback Trevone Boykin leads an explosive passing attack that averages 360 yards through the air. The Horned Frogs have two tough games remaining at West Virginia and at home against Kansas State, but if TCU wins both, it could be in playoff contention.

The Fighting Irish proved to be one of the nation's top teams despite a losing effort against Florida State. Notre Dame's defense is one of the best in the country, averaging only 19.1 points per game. The Irish have two tough road games against Pac 12 opponents Arizona State and USC remaining on its schedule. Notre Dame could state its case by winning both of those contests in convincing fashion.

The Bulldogs are by far the best team in the SEC East and could play a huge role in determining the college football playoffs. Georgia hasn't missed a beat since losing Todd Gurley, and will be even more dangerous once he comes back. The Bulldogs' toughest remaining game is at home against Auburn and the likely SEC Championship game appearance.

The Rebels suffered its first loss of the season in Death Valley, but are still alive for the college playoffs. Ole Miss has two important games against Auburn and Mississippi State to prove that it belongs in the final four. The good news for the Rebels is that both of these games come at home. All is not lost for the nation's top defensive team.

The Spartans defeated Michigan by 24 points and will have two weeks to prepare for its biggest game of the season against Ohio State. Michigan State will need to beat the Buckeyes and have other one-loss teams go down in order to sneak into the playoff discussion. The Spartans will likely be hurt because of its strength of schedule in the Big Ten.

The Ducks are leading in the Pac-12 again behind an explosive offense that averages 45.5 points per game. Marcus Mariota has been a dynamic player and Heisman trophy candidate this season. Oregon has the talent to be a top four team, but needs to avoid stumbling again like it did against Arizona. The Ducks will have to overcome its Achilles' heel in Stanford next week if it hopes to have a shot at the playoffs.

Auburn has an absolutely grueling schedule ahead, but should be in the playoffs if it somehow survives the gauntlet. The Tigers have to travel to Ole Miss next week, followed by trips to Georgia and Alabama later in the season. Auburn will have to stick to the cliche and just take it one game at a time. The defending SEC champion will have to earn it if the Tigers want to make the playoffs this season.

The Crimson Tide are starting to hit its stride at the right time. Bama got a convincing road win against Tennessee last week to boost its confidence heading into a tougher game against LSU. Amari Cooper is a game-changer at wide receiver, leading the SEC with 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns. Alabama will play Mississippi State and Auburn at home later in the season, which will be huge games for the college football playoffs.

The Seminoles were off this week to prepare for a possible trap game at Louisville on Thursday night. If Florida State can survive that challenge, then it should coast to an undefeated season and playoff berth. The Seminoles have a soft schedule with zero games against ranked opponents remaining and in-state rivals Miami and Florida aren't a threat to Florida State at this point.

The Bulldogs were tested in their first game as the nation's top team against Kentucky, but eventually emerged victorious. Mississippi State showed it's more than just a one-man show with Dak Prescott, as running back Josh Robinson ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns during the game. The Bulldogs hardest remaining games come on the road against Alabama and Ole Miss, but they have survived every challenge they've faced thus far to remain No. 1.