NCAAF News: Playoff Rankings Movements

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Boise State’s Rise and Georgia’s Return Shake Up College Football Playoff Rankings

The latest College Football Playoff rankings have introduced a fresh wave of excitement for fans and bettors alike, particularly for those monitoring NCAAF Odds. 

Boise State made a significant leap to the No. 4 seed, positioning them for a first-round bye, while Georgia re-entered the top 12 after a dominant win over Tennessee. These shifts reflect a dynamic season where every game has profound implications on NCAAF Lines and postseason aspirations.

Boise State and the Battle for a Bye

Boise State’s ascension to the No. 4 spot marks a historic moment for the Mountain West champions. With a 9-1 record, the Broncos solidified their case as a top team, benefiting from the struggles of programs like BYU and Tennessee. 

A Heisman-worthy season by Ashton Jeanty has propelled Boise State’s offense, even as their narrow loss to Oregon earlier in the season remains a blemish on their resume.

The Broncos now face a daunting path to maintain their position. The Big 12 features four ranked teams, including No. 14 BYU, No. 16 Colorado, No. 21 Arizona State, and No. 22 Iowa State, each vying for postseason relevance. 

Boise State could face another ranked opponent in the Mountain West Championship Game if No. 24 UNLV secures a berth. The Broncos previously defeated UNLV in Las Vegas and may need a repeat performance to ensure a first-round bye.

Georgia’s Playoff Push

Georgia’s resurgence to No. 10 follows a convincing victory over Tennessee, pushing the Volunteers to the edge of the bracket at No. 11. The Bulldogs’ late-season form has reignited their playoff hopes, even though they face tough competition for a spot in the top eight. 

Losses by BYU and Tennessee created opportunities for movement, but Georgia’s remaining schedule will be pivotal as they navigate a crowded SEC field.

The Bulldogs’ defense and balanced offensive attack have been key to their rise, and their next games will determine whether they can sustain this momentum.

BYU’s Fall and the Impact on the Big 12

BYU’s first loss of the season to Kansas led to a dramatic drop in the rankings, falling eight spots to No. 14. While still the highest-ranked Big 12 team, the Cougars are now out of contention for a first-round bye. 

Committee chairman Warde Manuel cited BYU’s recent close wins over Oklahoma State and Utah, both with losing records, as factors in their demotion.

The Big 12 Championship Game looms large, with teams like Colorado and Arizona State aiming to climb the rankings. A potential showdown between top-20 teams in the Big 12 title game could further complicate the playoff picture.

Other Key Developments

Notre Dame moved to No. 6 and remains in the hunt for a bye if they can win the ACC. The Fighting Irish have rebounded impressively after an early-season loss to Northern Illinois and now prepare for a crucial matchup against No. 19 Army at Yankee Stadium. 

Army, already locked into the AAC Championship Game against No. 20 Tulane, will look to bolster its playoff case with a win over the Irish.

Meanwhile, Penn State and Indiana are set for a top-five showdown, with Penn State favored by 11.5 points on the road. Alabama, coming off a commanding win, is favored by 13.5 against Oklahoma, while Ole Miss is a 10-point favorite in a tricky road game against Florida.