Boise State has clinched the fourth and final bye in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, leaving BYU out of contention and highlighting the frustrations of the Big 12, which joins the SEC in voicing concerns over the rankings.
Undefeated Oregon retained its position at the top of the rankings, a decision announced by the selection committee shortly after Big Ten officials confirmed that the Ducks had secured a spot in the conference championship game, regardless of the outcomes in the coming weeks.
Ohio State remains in second place, just ahead of Texas, which shares the lead in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Miami, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), is ranked eighth but holds the third seed and a bye as one of the top four conference leaders. Meanwhile, Boise State, ranked 12th, has been awarded the last bye. BYU, currently ranked 14th, occupies the final spot in the 12-team playoff bracket as the fifth-best conference leader, displacing No. 11 Tennessee, which dropped out following a loss to Georgia last week.
With three more weeks of rankings leading up to the final reveal on December 8, which will set the playoff bracket, Boise State’s rise was somewhat anticipated after BYU suffered its first loss of the season, resulting in an eight-spot drop in the rankings. This shift has disappointed Big 12 supporters, who argue that every team in their conference boasts a stronger strength of schedule than the Broncos. BYU’s season has also been marked by narrow victories, with four wins decided by six points or fewer, influencing its current ranking.
“Given some of the games they played and the close outcomes, it indicated that some teams below them should move ahead,” remarked Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, chair of the selection committee. The SEC has been particularly vocal about its representation, especially after Georgia was omitted from the rankings last week following a significant loss to Mississippi. The Bulldogs have since climbed back to No. 10, while Alabama and Ole Miss sit at No. 7 and No. 9, respectively, each with two losses. The strength of schedule for SEC teams remains a key factor in their rankings.
“After Georgia’s recent loss, it really comes down to fine distinctions,” Manuel said regarding the committee’s decision to exclude Tennessee in favor of the other three SEC teams. “These teams have strong offenses and defenses, and the committee faced a tough choice among four very capable teams.”
Other notable rankings include No. 4 Penn State, No. 5 Indiana, and No. 6 Notre Dame. In an unusual twist, SMU remains undefeated and leads the ACC but is ranked only 13th.
Projected First-Round Matchups
No. 12 BYU at No. 5 Ohio State: Buckeyes would be favored by three touchdowns.
No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Penn State: A rematch of the classic 1983 Sugar Bowl, where Penn State triumphed 27-23.
No. 10 Mississippi at No. 7 Indiana: The Hoosiers have faced Tennessee, Alabama, and now Ole Miss in projected matchups.
No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Notre Dame: A clash between the second and fourth winningest programs in college football history.
Key Games This Week
Indiana at Ohio State: Indiana’s low strength of schedule (ranked 106th by ESPN) poses challenges, but a victory would end a 28-game losing streak against the Buckeyes.
Army at Notre Dame: Army’s schedule ranks 133rd out of 134; a win could elevate the 19th-ranked Black Knights into playoff discussions.
BYU at Arizona State: A victory for the Sun Devils, combined with a Colorado loss to Kansas, could create chaos in the Big 12 and jeopardize its first-round bye.
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