Utah’s Win Over BYU Reshapes Projected Playoff Top 12

Utah’s victory over BYU in their rivalry game put the Utes firmly atop the Big 12 standings and changed the outlook for the projected College Football Playoff bracket. The November 7 projection ranks Utah third, behind Georgia and Miami, with the top four expected to receive first-round byes.

Georgia remains the forecast’s No. 1 team and its pick to win the SEC, though it still faces Ole Miss on Saturday. Miami is second, with a win at Notre Dame seen as important to its chance of earning the top seed. Indiana is fourth and is projected as the favorite in the Big Ten title race, but the forecast says the Hoosiers need a stronger offense.

Kentucky is fifth, followed by UCLA at No. 6 and Alabama at No. 7. Kentucky has a chance to strengthen its position by beating Tennessee on the road, while Alabama needs a win at LSU to maintain the selectors’ confidence. Texas ranks eighth after beating Missouri on the road, a result that gives it four wins over playoff-ranked teams and leaves it poised to host an opening-round game.

Texas Tech is ninth, Notre Dame 10th, Ohio State 11th and Boise State 12th. The forecast expects Notre Dame to beat Miami and stay above the playoff bubble, while Ohio State could return to the field by beating Oregon. Boise State remains the projection’s top Group of Six team, with its game against Oregon State still ahead.