Week 11 of the college football season brought a whirlwind of excitement, marking the first week after the initial College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings were unveiled. As teams battled it out on the field, the rankings experienced a significant shakeup, influencing the projected 12-team bracket in a dramatic way.
Week 11 Shakeups
Two of the top four teams in the initial rankings faced unexpected defeats last week. No. 3 Georgia was stunned by Ole Miss in Oxford, while No. 4 Miami fell to Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Both teams entered the rankings as projected conference champions, but only one managed to maintain that status as we head into Week 12.
BYU’s Thrilling Victory
In a nail-biting finish, BYU nearly suffered its first loss of the season during the “Holy War” rivalry against Utah. The Cougars found themselves on their last drive, but a controversial penalty allowed them to continue, culminating in Will Ferrin kicking the game-winning field goal. This victory not only kept BYU undefeated but also solidified its position in the hunt for a Big 12 championship and a coveted first-round bye.
Playoff Bracket Update
As we look ahead, the College Football Playoff bracket is poised for further changes throughout November, leading up to the final rankings reveal on December 8. The latest rankings have set the stage for intense matchups and potential upsets, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
No. 1 Seed – Oregon*
Leading the charge is Oregon, who secured its spot at the top of the College Football Playoff rankings with another commanding victory in Big Ten play. The Ducks triumphed over Maryland with a score of 39-18, improving their record to an impressive 10-0 this season. Dillon Gabriel continues to shine, throwing for three touchdowns and keeping his Heisman Trophy hopes alive. Oregon now prepares for a primetime showdown against Wisconsin in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
No. 2 Seed – Texas*
Thanks to Georgia’s loss, Texas has claimed the No. 2 seed and is projected to be the SEC champion, despite a previous head-to-head loss against the Bulldogs. The Longhorns made a statement last week, dominating Florida 49-17. Quinn Ewers had a phenomenal game, throwing for 333 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. As the highest-ranked team in the SEC, Texas is firmly in the playoff picture.
No. 3 Seed – BYU*
With their recent win, BYU has climbed to the No. 3 seed in the projected 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. They remain the only undefeated team in the Big 12, with three crucial games left on their schedule. Their resilience and determination have them eyeing a conference title game berth as they continue to defy expectations.
No. 4 Seed – Miami*
After starting the season strong, Miami stumbled for the first time, losing to Georgia Tech 28-23. This defeat dropped them to the No. 4 seed in the projected playoff bracket. The Hurricanes now find themselves tied with Clemson for second place in the ACC, trailing SMU. With two games remaining, Cam Ward and his team are determined to reclaim their footing in the race for the league title.
First-Round Byes
In the new playoff format, the top four seeds will receive first-round byes, making every game in the coming weeks critical. The excitement is palpable as teams vie for these coveted spots, knowing that a strong finish can lead to a significant advantage in the playoffs.
First-Round Matchups (Campus Sites)
No. 12 Seed Boise State at No. 5 Seed Ohio State
Continuing their impressive run, Boise State remains the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, following a commanding win over Nevada. Ashton Jeanty showcased his talent with 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ohio State dominated Purdue 45-0, solidifying their status as an at-large team in the playoff picture.
No. 9 Seed Notre Dame at No. 8 Seed Tennessee
After their bye week, Notre Dame returned with a bang, defeating Florida State 52-3. This victory marked their seventh consecutive win, revitalizing their playoff hopes. On the other hand, Tennessee is coming off a solid performance against Mississippi State and is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Georgia.
No. 10 Seed Alabama at No. 7 Seed Indiana
Alabama secured a vital win against LSU, keeping their playoff dreams alive. The Crimson Tide, led by Jalen Milroe, are looking to continue their momentum against Mercer. Meanwhile, Indiana is enjoying an unprecedented 10-0 start, having defeated Michigan and now preparing for a pivotal game against Ohio State.
No. 11 Seed Ole Miss at No. 6 Seed Penn State
After their stunning victory over Georgia, Ole Miss has surged into the playoff picture, now sitting at No. 11. They will take a bye week before their final two games. Penn State, meanwhile, bounced back from a previous loss with a decisive 35-6 win over Washington, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.
First Four Out
Georgia
SMU
Texas A&M
Kansas State
Next Four Out
Colorado
Washington State
Louisville
Clemson
