College Football Playoff: four tiers heading into October

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TIER 4: One-loss teams that could still make a run

Utah (3-1)

Saturday result: Utah 34, Arizona State 13

Best September win: Umm … it’s not FCS Southern Utah, or a Herm Edwards-less Arizona State. San Diego State went through three quarterbacks, but the Utes took care of business against the Aztecs. That counts, right?

Toughest test ahead: Nov. 19 at Oregon. The picture changed slightly this week, as USC was struggling against Oregon State, and Oregon kept its playoff hopes alive with a difficult road win at Washington State. Utah will get USC at home, while this late-season trip to Autzen Stadium could be a dagger, especially if Oregon is playing for a semifinal spot, too.

What the selection committee will consider: The close road loss to Florida in the season opener won’t hurt the Utes much in the meeting room, but it puts them under pressure to win the league. If Utah can run the table and win at UCLA, beating top-25 teams in Oregon and USC along the way, they will be in the debate.

espn.com article