Breaking down College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s updated Top 6

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its third look at updated rankings for the 2022 season, slotting the top six contenders for the four-team CFP field along with the top contenders to land New Year’s Day bids ahead of Week 12. As the season reaches its final stretch, the top six teams in the picture include Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, TCU, Tennessee and LSU.

With three SEC schools inside the top six once again, the conference continues to pull weight in the eyes of the committee. With every team in the top four still holding an undefeated record, it is difficult to argue the current lineup, although a head-to-head matchup between Michigan and Ohio State promises to provide an opening for at least one one-loss team. LSU enters the picture as it continues to surge with a shot to make a case as a two-loss school if an SEC championship is added to the resume.

Take a look at what each CFP contender brings to the table heading into Week 12.

Georgia

Georgia remains at No. 1 overall after surging in the second half to defeat Mississippi State on the road. With a struggling Kentucky team and a rivalry game against Georgia Tech on the horizon, the Bulldogs have already claimed the SEC East title and secured a 13th game against LSU in the SEC title game. After a dominant head-to-head win over Tennessee earlier this year, Kirby Smart has his team well-positioned to defend its national championship.

Remaining schedule: at Kentucky, Georgia Tech

Ohio State

Ohio State saw its offense bounce back in better weather conditions on Saturday and reaffirmed its spot near the top of the rankings. A roadtrip to face Maryland is all that sits between the Buckeyes and a rivalry game to determine not only the top-ranked Big Ten team and Big Ten East champion, but also the only undefeated record in the conference.

Remaining schedule: at Maryland, Michigan

Michigan

With a home game against a skidding Illinois team this week, the Wolverines are in a similar spot as Ohio State, needing to avoid a look-ahead loss before setting up a massive showdown. Jim Harbaugh’s group has attempted to answer offensive questions all season and will get its best opportunities to show the result over the next several weeks.

Remaining schedule: Illinois, at Ohio State

TCU

TCU showed off its ability to win a different way – something the College Football Playoff Committee previously asked for – by knocking off Texas on the road. The Horned Frogs continue to find a way to win games in year one under Sonny Dykes, who has already secured a Big 12 championship appearance and rematch against one of the conference’s top teams.

Remaining schedule: at Baylor, Iowa State

Tennessee

Tennessee remains on the outside looking in with four undefeated teams above it entering the final two weeks of the regular season, however a new threat promises to make things more difficult. Without the opportunity to compete in the SEC championship game, the Volunteers will have one less data point than LSU, who already has two losses. Along with the loser of the Big Ten showdown between Michigan and Ohio State, the playoff debate could reach a fever pitch if results hold elsewhere.

Remaining schedule: at South Carolina, at Vanderbilt

LSU

LSU is fighting against history as a two-loss team in the playoff picture, something that has never happened to this point, but they also have a uniquely qualified resume. Wins over Alabama and Ole Miss have set the Tigers up for an SEC championship game matchup with Georgia, and an opportunity to have three of the best wins of any contender despite holding losses against Tennessee and Florida State.

Remaining schedule: UAB, at Texas A&M