Some College Football Playoff contenders have more margin for error

— -- This is the final week of games before the College Football Playoff selection committee reveals its first ranking Nov. 3. It's only the first of six rankings, though, so there are still plenty of opportunities for teams to play their way in or stumble out.

While there is little margin for error for every team with playoff aspirations, remember that three of the four teams last season each had one loss by the end of October. Not everyone is facing a must-win scenario, and it's not as black and white as their win-loss records might indicate.

Who could afford a loss

These undefeated teams have the most wiggle room, but they can't lose to just anybody.

"I think everybody in that room understands rivalry games are special, but there are many, many rivalry games in today's college football," selection committee chair Jeff Long said last year before the final week of the regular season. "We're certainly aware of that. We certainly discuss the fact that it's a rivalry game, and we do know that there have been a number of unanticipated outcomes in rivalry games."

Cause for debate

These are teams with at least one loss that you still shouldn't eliminate, even if they lose again, but would really stir some debate within the selection committee meeting room.

No margin for error

After Utah's loss to USC, ESPN's Football Power Index projects a 77 percent chance that the Pac-12 will have a two-loss conference champion. Any team with two losses is in a must-win situation from here on out, but a two-loss league champ would still be considered by the selection committee. Here's a look at the top contenders that need to win out and why: