## Week 14 Summary
All the teams that needed victories to stay in the running for the College Football Playoff achieved their goals this weekend. The regular season closed with clarity at the top yet uncertainty at the bubble, leaving the selection committee with some tough choices.
## Playoff Picture and Key Wins
Programs that controlled their own destiny handled business, ensuring they remain in contention. The weekend’s games solidified the elite group, while a few teams still hover just outside the playoff window.
Among the most debated outcomes is how to evaluate Notre Dame and Miami. Both have compelling cases, and the committee must weigh schedule strength, head-to-head results, and conference performance in shaping the final ranking.
## Committee’s Challenge
The toughest decision emerges between Notre Dame’s complete body of work and Miami’s late push. Each program showcased resilience but left space for subjective judgment. The selection committee’s choice will likely set a precedent for balancing resume depth against momentum and key wins.
> “There’s no easy answer — this one will come down to how the committee defines quality wins and total resumes,” said one analyst.
## Outlook
With championship weekend behind and major statements made, the path narrows. The final rankings will clarify the committee’s values when addressing one of the closest playoff races in recent years.
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*Author’s summary: The weekend confirmed frontrunners but left the playoff debate centered on the close, complex Notre Dame–Miami decision that could shape the postseason narrative.*
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The New York Times — 2025-11-30