College Football Playoff Prediction: ESPN projects CFP Top 12 rankings after Week 8

The College Football Playoff is closer than ever. On Sunday, ESPN’s Heather Dinich released her latest CFP rankings, along with an updated bracket projection.

The Week 8 college football slate supplied plenty of surprises. Ten teams ranked in the AP Top 25 suffered losses. Four of those losses were against unranked opponents.

Dinich sifted through the chaos to create her latest postseason vision. Look below to see the expert’s updated CFP rankings.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State looks unstoppable at the moment. The Buckeyes dominated Wisconsin 34-0 on Saturday. It’s the Buckeyes’ second shutout this season. They are holding teams to a ridiculous 5.9 points per game this season, the least in the country.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin arguably had his best performance of the season on Saturday. He completed 36-of-his-42 pass attempts for 393 yards and four touchdowns, without throwing an interception.

2. Indiana Hoosiers (+1)

Indiana improved to No. 2 in Dinich’s CFP rankings this week after handily defeating Michigan State 38-13. In the win, Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza was dialed in, completing 24-of-his-28 pass attempts for 332 yards, four TDs and no interceptions.

Omar Cooper Jr. was Mendoza’s go-to target. Cooper hauled in a team-high eight catches for 115 yards and a score. With no ranked teams remaining on their schedule, the Hoosiers have a legitimate chance of entering the postseason undefeated.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide (+2)

Alabama is only improving as the season progresses. The Crimson Tide looked excellent on Saturday during their 37-20 triumph over Tennessee.

As usual, QB Ty Simpson was a standout, tallying 253 passing yards and two touchdowns, while throwing no interceptions. Alas, he was far from Alabama’s only star. Wide receiver Germie Bernard did it all, notching 49 yards in the ground game and 60 through the air.

4. Texas A&M Aggies

Alabama leapt past Texas A&M in Dinich’s CFP rankings this week, but the Aggies are still in fantastic position. Texas A&M showed off its resilience on Saturday, escaping Fayetteville with a hard-fought 45-42 win over Arkansas.

With the win, Texas A&M improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1994. The Aggies are the only remaining undefeated team in the SEC.

5. Georgia Bulldogs (+2)

Georgia’s response to its Week 5 loss against Alabama has been nothing short of astounding. On Saturday, the Bulldogs downed Ole Miss 43-35 to secure their third consecutive SEC victory.

In the win, Georgia’s offense looked like a well-oiled machine. The Bulldogs amassed 510 total yards of offense, didn’t commit any turnovers and only were called for three penalties all game.

6. Miami Hurricanes (-4)

On Saturday, Miami suffered its first loss of the season, falling 24-21 to Louisville. Alas, the Hurricanes’ season is far from over. The team still boasts one of the best résumés in the country. Moreover, it’s clear where Miami must improve.

It was an uncharacteristic night for Miami QB Carson Beck, who threw four interceptions. For reference, he entered the game with just three picks through Miami’s first five games. If Beck can clean up his turnovers, Miami will be on a fast track to redemption.

7. Ole Miss Rebels (-1)

Ole Miss’ impressive record also suffered its first stain this weekend. The Rebels fell 43-35 on the road against Georgia, but they showed plenty of promise in the loss.

Ole Miss possessed a 35-26 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Alas, the Rebels’ defense fell apart in the final frame. When Ole Miss puts four strong quarters together, there are few — if any — better teams in the country.

8. Oregon Ducks

Oregon didn’t move in Dinich’s CFP rankings this week. On Saturday, the Ducks bounced back from their Week 7 loss to Indiana with a convincing 56-10 victory over Rutgers. While the Scarlet Knights aren’t elite competition, Oregon proved it isn’t allowing its lone loss of the season to spiral.

In the win, Oregon amassed 750 yards of offense, nearly four times more than Rutgers. Ducks running back Noah Whittington played a large role in the team’s success. He finished the game with a team-high 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

9. Oklahoma Sooners (+1)

Rumors of Oklahoma’s downfall may have been greatly exaggerated. After the Sooners suffered a 23-6 loss to Texas in Week 7, fans across the country were ready to write them off. However, Oklahoma reminded the nation of its talent on Saturday with a 26-7 win over South Carolina.

In the win, Oklahoma’s run defense was spectacular, limiting the Gamecocks to 54 total rushing yards. In comparison, Oklahoma’s Tory Blaylock erupted for 101 rushing yards and a touchdown by himself.

10. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (NR)

Georgia Tech cracked Dinich’s CFP rankings this week after defeating Duke 27-18. Despite entering the game with a 6-0 record, the Yellow Jackets were the underdogs against the Blue Devils.

Georgia Tech silenced its doubters, with QB Haynes King leading the way. In the win, King recorded 205 passing yards, while simultaneously leading the team’s run game with 120 rushing yards and a score.

11. BYU Cougars (NR)

BYU is the team to beat in the Big 12, following its 24-21 victory over Utah on Saturday. The Cougars have now won the last three “Holy War” games against the Utes.

In the win, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 13-of-his-22 pass attempts for 166 yards and a touchdown. BYU’s defense was also pivotal in the victory, squeezing two turnovers out of the Utes.

12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NR)

Notre Dame is refusing to go away this season. After starting their season with back-to-back losses, the Fighting Irish have won five consecutive games. In its latest outing, Notre Dame pulled out a 34-24 victory over USC.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love stole the show, exploding for a career-high 228 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Trojans. Fellow RB Jadarian Price added 87 yards and a score to the Fighting Irish’s efforts as well.

ESPN College Football Playoff bracket projection

First-round byes

No. 1 Ohio State (Big Ten champ)
No. 2 Indiana
No. 3 Alabama (SEC champ)
No. 4 Texas A&M

First-round games

On campus, Dec. 19 and 20

No. 12 South Florida (American champ) at No. 5 Georgia
No. 11 BYU (Big 12 champ) at No. 6 Miami (ACC champ)
No. 10 Georgia Tech at No. 7 Ole Miss
No. 9 Oklahoma at No. 8 Oregon

Quarterfinal games

At the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential and Allstate Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

No. 12 South Florida/No. 5 Georgia winner vs. No. 4 Texas A&M
No. 11 BYU/No. 6 Miami winner vs. No. 3 Alabama
No. 10 Georgia Tech/No. 7 Ole Miss winner vs. No. 2 Indiana
No. 9 Oklahoma/No. 8 Oregon winner vs. No. 1 Ohio State