College Football Playoff Predictions: ESPN projects 12-team field after Week 8

ESPN projected the 12-team College Football Playoff field after Week 8 and there were some changes from last weekend in terms of playoff predictions.

But as always, these playoff projections will certainly change week to week. Just wait til we get the inevitable upsets!

The four highest-ranked conference champions will receive byes, and the first-round games will all take place at campus sites to begin the playoff. From there, the winners will advance to respective bowl games leading to the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

1. Oregon

Oregon is at the top of the playoff predictions per ESPN after its domination of Purdue last Friday night. Since the Ducks have the head to head win over Ohio State, they’re at the top of the Big Ten.

But why did they move up to the top spot overall? Texas lost to Georgia at home, causing a shakeup in the SEC. Oregon could very well see Ohio State for a rematch in the Big Ten Championship.

2. Georgia

Georgia is now the projected SEC champion and now the No. 2 seed in the playoff predictions. The win over Texas on the road shook things up across college football.

This is perfect positioning for the Bulldogs as they try to climb up the seedings. They’re squarely in the mix for a third national title in four years.

3. Miami

Miami remained undefeated with a shootout victory over Louisville and stayed atop the ACC. The latest playoff predictions have Miami at No. 3.

Going by ESPN’s metrics, Miami actually has the best shot to earn a first round bye at 43.6%, per the Allstate Playoff Predictor. The ‘Canes have a great path.

4. BYU

The Cougars are the projected Big 12 champion just like last week and will get the final bye in the playoff predictions. Right now, BYU is still undefeated.

At this rate, they have to keep winning as the schedule isn’t that friendly. One loss could be the difference between a bye or a first round game. Or heck, BYU missing out on the Big 12 entirely since the conference is muddy at the moment.

No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas

Boise State is the fifth highest ranked conference champion in the playoff predictions and gets in with the final seed here. They’ll have to take their talents on the road to play Texas.

But good luck to Texas trying to stop Heisman front runner Ashton Jeanty. The Longhorns had their slip up against Georgia but can rebound quickly.

No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 LSU

The SEC went through some changes over the weekend as Tennessee got back in the playoff picture and these predictions have them as the No. 9 seed. The Volunteers would play conference foe LSU on the road.

The Tigers have won six in a row since losing to USC during the first game of the year. Funny enough, these two teams actually don’t play each other this season but could meet in a first round game.

No. 11 Indiana at No. 6 Ohio State

This game is so fun on paper since it’s going to happen on November 23rd in the same location. The Hoosiers are undefeated and college football’s biggest story, at least one of.

The playoff predictions have Ohio State as a six seed, presumably due to a second loss to Oregon, while Indiana gets in with a loss or two. The CFP does not avoid rematches so it’ll be interesting to see how these two teams play just a mere few weeks apart.

No. 10 Clemson at No. 7 Penn State

Clemson and Penn State have been in playoff predictions for weeks but the Nittany Lions get to host the suddenly hot Tigers. Can we get a white-out for this game?

Clemson’s won six in a row while Penn State is still undefeated on the season. But, the Nittany Lions are projected to lose to Ohio State and miss out on the Big Ten championship, putting them in the first round.

First Four Out

Notre Dame
Iowa State
Kansas State
Illinois

Next Four Out

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Alabama
Pittsburgh

Group of Five Power Rankings

1. Boise State
2. UNLV
3. Navy
4. Army
5. Tulane