LSU, USC Surge in Week 1 Playoff Race as Michigan Escapes 28-Point Scare

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6

Week 1 sharply reshaped the 2026 playoff picture, with LSU emerging as the weekend’s biggest riser after Lane Kiffin’s debut team routed Clemson and immediately strengthened its SEC title case.
USC also jumped into serious contention by crushing Fresno State 552-116, a defensive showing that suggested Gary Patterson may have fixed the Trojans’ biggest weakness.
Michigan moved the other way despite winning, needing a last-second Hail Mary to survive Western Michigan after producing just 276 yards at home as a 28-point favorite.
Oregon avoided a damaging upset with a 34-27 win over Boise State, but the close score contrasted with stronger underlying numbers — nearly 8 yards per play to 4.2 allowed.
Ohio State’s dominant opener kept the Buckeyes on script, but the broader takeaway from Week 1 is that LSU and USC look more playoff-ready than expected while Michigan already faces steep doubts.