As the excitement builds in the world of college football, fans are eagerly counting down the days until the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are unveiled on November 5. With just two weeks to go, the anticipation is palpable, especially with the playoff format expanding to 12 teams this season. This change promises to add a new layer of intrigue and competition, making every game count even more as teams vie for a coveted spot in the postseason.
In the absence of official CFP rankings, we turn to the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 as our primary guide to project the playoff field. Historically, the AP poll and CFP rankings align closely by the end of the season, providing a reliable framework for assessing team performance. As we delve into the current landscape of college football, let’s take a closer look at the projected playoff field following the third Saturday in October.
### First-Round Byes
#### 1. Oregon (7-0, Projected Big Ten Champion)
Oregon has surged to the top of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2012, thanks to their impressive victory over Purdue and Texas’ recent loss. The Ducks are on a clear path toward an undefeated regular season, with only No. 20 Illinois remaining as a ranked opponent on their schedule. The upcoming matchup against Michigan on November 2 now appears less daunting, given the Wolverines’ struggles in the passing game. Oregon’s strong performance has positioned them as a formidable contender for the playoff.
#### 2. Georgia (6-1, Projected SEC Champion)
Georgia continues to prove its mettle under head coach Kirby Smart, bouncing back from doubts with a decisive win over Texas. The Bulldogs showcased a dominant defensive front, but there are concerns regarding their offensive consistency, particularly with quarterback Carson Beck, who has thrown eight interceptions in four SEC games. As they aim for another SEC title, Georgia must refine its offensive strategy to complement its defensive prowess.
#### 3. Miami (7-0, Projected ACC Champion)
The Miami Hurricanes have been thrilling to watch this season, pulling off nail-biting victories, including a recent high-scoring affair against Louisville. Quarterback Cam Ward has emerged as a Heisman frontrunner, leading the charge for Miami’s offense. However, the team’s tendency to win close games—three of their ACC victories have been by a single score—raises questions about their defensive capabilities, as they have allowed a staggering 129 points in those matchups.
#### 4. Iowa State (7-0, Projected Big 12 Champion)
Iowa State has also found itself in a series of close contests, narrowly defeating UCF in a 38-35 thriller. The Cyclones’ defense faced significant challenges, allowing the Knights to rush for an astonishing 354 yards. Iowa State’s ability to rally and score the final 11 points of the game demonstrates their resilience, but they will need to tighten their defense as they move forward in the season.
### First-Round Games
#### No. 12 Boise State (Projected MWC Champion) at No. 5 Penn State (At-Large)
In a late-night showdown, Boise State will face UNLV, a matchup that could foreshadow the Mountain West title game. The Broncos’ star running back, Ashton Jeanty, will be a key player to watch. Meanwhile, Penn State is gearing up for a challenging game against Wisconsin, who has been on a three-game winning streak, showcasing a powerful defense that has allowed just 16 points over that span.
#### No. 11 BYU (At-Large) at No. 6 Ohio State (At-Large)
BYU has been nothing short of dramatic, pulling off a last-second victory against Oklahoma State. Their upcoming game against UCF will be crucial as they look to maintain momentum. Ohio State, on the other hand, is preparing to host Nebraska, aiming to build confidence ahead of a pivotal matchup against Penn State in Week 10.
#### No. 7 Texas (At-Large) at No. 10 Clemson (At-Large)
Despite a tough loss to Georgia, Texas remains committed to quarterback Quinn Ewers, who played the entire second half of that game. The Longhorns will need to regroup as they face a high-scoring Clemson team that has been racking up points, averaging 42 per game. Clemson’s recent performance against Virginia, where they scored 48 points, highlights their offensive capabilities, making this matchup one to watch.
#### No. 8 Tennessee (At-Large) at No. 9 LSU (At-Large)
This potential inter-conference clash promises to be an exciting encounter. Tennessee’s offense has found its rhythm following a win over Alabama, while LSU is looking to maintain its momentum against Texas A&M. Both teams are currently undefeated in conference play, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown that could have significant playoff implications.
As the countdown to the first CFP rankings continues, the college football landscape remains dynamic and unpredictable. Each game carries weight, and the stakes are higher than ever as teams battle for a place in the expanded playoff. With so much talent and drama on display, fans are in for an exhilarating finish to the season.