How the College Football Playoff 12-team bracket, Top 25 would look using BCS formula

In just over a week, the College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed. A 12-team format will take place for the first time in the sport’s history, replacing the four-team model. More teams in the CFP have certainly added intrigue this late in the season.

There is still an old-school way of looking at the rankings, with the BCS formula still being used on social media. The BCS’s top 25 was revealed on Monday, giving us a look at how these teams would rank and slot into the CFP if still used today.

The first College Football Playoff Top 25 is set to release Nov. 5 exclusively on ESPN. In the meantime, here’s where the BCS-style formula would have the rankings after Week 9.

1. Oregon Ducks

Just like the AP and Coaches polls, Oregon has the No. 1 spot in the BCS rankings. They are one of the few undefeated teams remaining at the FBS level, most notably beating Ohio State on Oct. 12.

In its first year as a member of the Big Ten, reaching Indianapolis for the championship game almost looks likely at this point. Win there, no matter the opponent, and they will have a great case to finish the regular season No. 1 in every poll.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

Despite having one loss, Georgia gets the nod over a couple of unbeaten teams in the rankings. Kirby Smart‘s team went to Tuscaloosa and lost but responded a few weeks later with a road win against Texas.

The race to win the SEC is going to be a chaotic one down the stretch, maybe relying on tiebreakers. Georgia feels like a safe bet to at least appear in Atlanta if not take the crown.

3. Miami Hurricanes

Miami had been playing in a close few games in recent weeks but left no doubt against Florida State on Saturday. From start to finish, the intent was made clear as Mario Cristobal hopes to establish some dominance in the Sunshine State.

Of the other potential ACC contenders, Miami plays none of them during the regular season. Getting their first-ever ACC title would guarantee them a spot in the CFP.

4. BYU Cougars

Multiple Big 12 teams are going to vie for this spot, with four being ranked inside the BCS top 25. As things stand, BYU currently gets the automatic bid due to its top-10 ranking.

Being undefeated is one thing but there are multiple quality wins on the BYU resume. The Cougars took down Kansas State early in conference play while beating SMU on the road during nonconference. Expectations have been exceeded, and then some, in Provo.

5. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. 12. Boise State Broncos

Penn State is actually the No. 2 team in the BCS rankings but due to Oregon being a spot above them, they fall into the at-large pool. And it’s not a terrible thing with an environment like Happy Valley hosting a playoff game being a college football fan’s dream.

Ashton Jeanty and Boise State would be no easy opponent, hoping to travel across the country to play spoiler. The Broncos firmly lead the Group of Five race as of now following Friday’s win over UNLV.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes vs. 11. Texas A&M Aggies

The Ross Bjork Bowl would take place in the athletic director’s new home, Columbus, for what would create quite the storyline. Bjork would see Ohio State go up against a head coach he hired for Texas A&M, Mike Elko.

Both of these teams are going to make a push to win a conference championship and earn a top-four spot with a bye. However, multiple big games remain on the schedule before getting there. For now, it projects as the lone Big Ten vs. SEC matchup.

7. Texas Longhorns vs. 10. Iowa State Cyclones

Just when Texas thought they were done facing Big 12 teams, the BCS has them currently projected to play Iowa State. Maybe it’s something Steve Sarkisian and Matt Campbell would prefer, not having to learn a new opponent. Instead, there would be a ton of familiarity.

The two head coaches have clashed on three occasions, with Sarkisian having two wins. Just one of those was in Austin, though – exactly where they would play if this scenario came to fruition.

8. Tennessee Volunteers vs. 9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Somehow, these two brands have not met on a football field since 2005 in South Bend, the backend of a home-and-home series. Now there is a push to make the College Football Playoff with one-loss on the resume but massive wins.

Tennessee has taken down Alabama while Notre Dame beat Texas A&M in the season opener. Those could be argued as the best wins we have seen this season and certainly ones that will be brought up on Selection Sunday.

Full BCS Top 25 following Week 9

Outside of the College Football Playoff teams, there are still a few ranked inside the BCS top 25 with a realistic shot of getting into the field. Two undefeated teams from power conferences are actually ranked outside of the 10. You can check out the full top 25 here.

1. Oregon Ducks
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
5. Miami Hurricanes
6. Texas Longhorns
7. Tennessee Volunteers
8. BYU Cougars
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
10. Iowa State Cyclones
11. Texas A&M Aggies
12. Clemson Tigers
13. Indiana Hoosiers
14. Alabama Crimson Tide
15. Kansas State Wildcats
16. Pittsburgh Panthers
17. LSU Tigers
18. Boise State Broncos
19. Ole Miss Rebels
20. SMU Mustangs
21. Army Black Knights
22. Washington State Cougars
23. Illinois Fighting Illini
24. Colorado Buffaloes
25. Missouri Tigers

A pair of ranked showdowns are set to take place this upcoming Saturday, with Ohio State-Penn State taking the main stage. And then SMU plays host to Pitt in Dallas in what is a massive game, clearing up the ACC title race.