The race for coveted positions in the College Football Playoff is intensifying as the season enters its final stages. In a significant development, the Boise State Broncos have leapfrogged the BYU Cougars in the latest CFP rankings, released on Tuesday night. This puts Boise State in prime position to secure a first-round bye in the upcoming 12-team playoff.
Broncos Charge Ahead
The Broncos, who currently sit at 9-1, moved up to the No. 12 spot in the rankings, while BYU tumbled eight spots to No. 14 following a stunning 17-13 upset loss to Kansas. This marks a significant shift in the playoff landscape, as Boise State now finds itself in the driver’s seat for the Mountain West Conference’s automatic bid and the accompanying first-round bye.
According to a source close to the selection committee, Boise State’s resume was bolstered by the quality of their lone loss – a narrow road defeat against top-ranked Oregon. In contrast, BYU’s home loss to a 4-6 Kansas team dealt a severe blow to their playoff aspirations.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
As it stands, the four highest-rated conference champions – Oregon (Big Ten), Texas (SEC), Miami (ACC), and Boise State (Mountain West) – are in line to receive first-round byes. BYU, the Big 12 champion, would still qualify for the playoff but would be forced to play in the first round as the No. 12 seed.
The rest of the top 12 is rounded out by Notre Dame, Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio State. This sets the stage for some tantalizing potential first-round matchups:
- No. 12 BYU at No. 5 Ohio State
- No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Penn State
- No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 7 Indiana
- No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Notre Dame
SEC Intrigue Abounds
The always-competitive SEC is well-represented in the rankings, with eight teams cracking the top 25. However, the jockeying for playoff position among Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee has created a fascinating dynamic. Each team boasts an 8-2 record with varying head-to-head results, making the final weeks of the regular season crucial.
The reward to get a bye versus the risk to get knocked out completely. I mean… that’s a really big risk.
– Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss head coach
Texas A&M, ranked 15th, also remains in the mix. A win over Auburn this weekend, coupled with a Texas victory over Kentucky, would set up a titanic regular-season finale between the Aggies and Longhorns with an SEC Championship Game berth on the line.
New Faces Emerge
Further down the rankings, several new teams have crashed the party. Arizona State, Iowa State, UNLV, and Illinois all make their first appearances of the season in the CFP Top 25. Their emergence adds intrigue to the stretch run and could impact the ultimate composition of the 12-team playoff field.
As the season barrels toward its conclusion, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a first-round bye on the line and multiple teams still jockeying for position, the coming weeks promise to deliver high drama and intense competition. The only certainty? By the time the dust settles, the college football landscape will be forever altered.
According to a source close to the selection committee, Boise State’s resume was bolstered by the quality of their lone loss – a narrow road defeat against top-ranked Oregon. In contrast, BYU’s home loss to a 4-6 Kansas team dealt a severe blow to their playoff aspirations.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
As it stands, the four highest-rated conference champions – Oregon (Big Ten), Texas (SEC), Miami (ACC), and Boise State (Mountain West) – are in line to receive first-round byes. BYU, the Big 12 champion, would still qualify for the playoff but would be forced to play in the first round as the No. 12 seed.
The rest of the top 12 is rounded out by Notre Dame, Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio State. This sets the stage for some tantalizing potential first-round matchups:
- No. 12 BYU at No. 5 Ohio State
- No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Penn State
- No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 7 Indiana
- No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Notre Dame
SEC Intrigue Abounds
The always-competitive SEC is well-represented in the rankings, with eight teams cracking the top 25. However, the jockeying for playoff position among Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee has created a fascinating dynamic. Each team boasts an 8-2 record with varying head-to-head results, making the final weeks of the regular season crucial.
The reward to get a bye versus the risk to get knocked out completely. I mean… that’s a really big risk.
– Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss head coach
Texas A&M, ranked 15th, also remains in the mix. A win over Auburn this weekend, coupled with a Texas victory over Kentucky, would set up a titanic regular-season finale between the Aggies and Longhorns with an SEC Championship Game berth on the line.
New Faces Emerge
Further down the rankings, several new teams have crashed the party. Arizona State, Iowa State, UNLV, and Illinois all make their first appearances of the season in the CFP Top 25. Their emergence adds intrigue to the stretch run and could impact the ultimate composition of the 12-team playoff field.
As the season barrels toward its conclusion, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a first-round bye on the line and multiple teams still jockeying for position, the coming weeks promise to deliver high drama and intense competition. The only certainty? By the time the dust settles, the college football landscape will be forever altered.
