Georgia Takes Top Spot in Updated Playoff Rankings

Georgia rose to the top after defeating Ole Miss 42-7 on the road. Utah, still unbeaten after beating BYU, was ranked second, followed by Alabama and UCLA. Alabama’s win over LSU strengthened a resume that includes the nation’s top strength of schedule, while UCLA remained undefeated despite using a backup quarterback against Minnesota.

Notre Dame climbed six places to No. 5 after beating previously top-ranked Miami. Texas moved to No. 6 after winning at Missouri, its fourth victory over a ranked opponent. Miami fell to seventh, and Tennessee placed eighth after a 34-6 win over Kentucky.

Indiana dropped five spots to ninth despite being idle, as several of its opponents lost. BYU was 10th after its narrow defeat to Utah, with Kentucky 11th following its loss to Tennessee. Boise State was identified as the Group of Six leader and projected automatic qualifier; the report’s bracket placed the Broncos at No. 12.

The projected automatic qualifiers were Georgia, Utah, UCLA, Miami and Boise State. Georgia, Utah, Alabama and UCLA were assigned first-round byes. The projected opening games paired Boise State with Notre Dame, Indiana with Tennessee, Kentucky with Texas, and BYU with Miami. Texas Tech and Wake Forest were listed as the first teams outside the field.

Indiana was set to face USC on Saturday, while Boise State was scheduled to play Oregon State. Those games could affect the teams’ standing as the playoff picture develops.