David Pollack reveals new No. 1 seed in College Football Playoff projection

David Pollack has updated his College Football Playoff projections after Week 8. He has a new No. 1, championing Indiana atop his Top 12.

The Hoosiers lead the way, with fellow Big Ten squad Ohio State following right behind them. The former Georgia defender didn’t forget about his beloved SEC — they have the next three teams, and five out of the 12 available spots.

Check out Pollack’s full projections below. They’re bound to cause a stir, but there’s plenty of football left to be played between now and when the CFP field is set.

1) Indiana

There was definite letdown potential this weekend for Indiana following its huge win over Oregon a week ago. But the Hoosiers took care of business and beat Michigan State soundly, allowing only three points in the second half.

The schedule continues to look very manageable for Indiana. Up next is a home date with UCLA, followed by road trips to Maryland and struggling Penn State. For now, they’re atop Pollack’s Top 12.

2) Ohio State

With Luke Fickell on the hot seat and needing something to quiet the noise, Wisconsin might have put up a decent fight against Ohio State. The Buckeyes had other ideas, turning this one into a blowout right away with 17 first-quarter points.

From there it was smooth sailing for Julian Sayin and company. Sayin threw four touchdown passes, including two to Carnell Tate. Next up for Ohio State is a home date with Penn State. Pollack has them coming up short in the Big Ten, but still getting a bye week in the CFP.

3) Texas A&M

Texas A&M gave up a first-quarter field goal, then took the lead about midway through the frame and never again trailed. Still, there were points where the game was firmly in the balance, as the defense allowed Arkansas to stay within striking range right till the bitter end.

Arkansas actually outgained its top-25 foe 527 to 497 in the game, something that will undoubtedly frustrate Mike Elko. Still, on a bloody weekend in college football, simply surviving was a huge win — and the Aggies did just that. Pollack has them atop the SEC at the end of the season at the moment.

4) Alabama

Alabama was in charge of their contest against Tennessee from start to finish, but it really blew things open with a 99-yard pick-six on a play that could have easily swung things the other direction. Those are the breaks championship teams create.

And at this point, Alabama certainly has the look of a title contender. The Crimson Tide just keep winning. Next up is a road trip to face a flustered South Carolina team. At the moment, Pollack may not have them as his SEC champion, but they’re still getting a bye week.

5) Georgia

Georgia got everything it could handle and then some against an Ole Miss team that didn’t seem intimidated by the incredibly hostile environment. But at every turn, Gunner Stockton was there to answer the call.

The Georgia quarterback threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He also ran for 59 yards and a score, helping the Bulldogs win a thrilling shootout with the Rebels. And just like that, Georgia moves back into a dominant position in the SEC race. Pollack has them coming up short in the conference, but still heading to the Playoff as the top team without a bye week.

6) Miami

Miami quarterback Carson Beck threw four interceptions, and the Hurricanes were doomed as Louisville played the upstart in this one. It was clear early on that it would be closer than the experts predicted.

The Hurricanes certainly had their chances, but self-inflicted mistakes cost them against the Cardinals. While the loss puts a serious dent in Miami’s résumé, the Hurricanes still have everything in front of them. Pollack still has them winning the ACC.

7) Oregon

Oregon wasted no time bouncing back from the loss to Indiana, even with a trip all the way across the country. That’s what top-25 teams do — they take care of business.

Dante Moore threw for 290 yards and four scores, while the Ducks also punched it in four times on the ground. It was a lopsided win from start to finish, punctuated by a 28-point second quarter. Pollack believes they’re still among the top teams in the nation.

8) Oklahoma

Oklahoma rebounded from their loss against Texas to defeat South Carolina on the road in Week 8. Now, they have a couple of huge tests coming up — Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU will finish their season.

They certainly can’t be tripped up more than once. Evidently, Pollack believes in the Sooners, and their ability to survive against some of the SEC’s best.

9) Vanderbilt

Statement made. Vanderbilt took care of business against LSU over the weekend, and now Pollack believes they’re firmly in the top ten of his Playoff rankings.

They have a huge game this weekend against Missouri, and it’s getting the College GameDay treatment. Whether the Commodores remain in the Top 12 remains to be seen, but what a story this would be.

10) Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is Pollack’s runner-up in the ACC. It seems like they’re going to be here for the long haul and contend for the CFP. The Yellow Jackets are 7-0 on the season following a 27-18 win over Duke in Week 8.

Haynes King threw for 205 yards and ran for another 105 on the ground and had a touchdown. In a 10-10 game in the fourth quarter, Georgia Tech outscored the Blue Devils 17-8 to get the victory over Duke.

11) BYU

BYU was victorious over rival Utah in the Holy War. They beat the Utes by three to keep their undefeated season alive, and continue to climb Pollack’s rankings as the Big 12 champion. 

Bear Bachmeier didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he did just enough to lead the Cougars to a win. He scored two touchdowns in Week 8 — one rushing, one passing.

12) USF (G5)

At 6-1, USF’s lone loss came on the road against Miami. Pollack evidently believes they’ll win-out and become the top Group of Five team in the nation, clinching a spot in the 12-team Playoff.

They have a huge game this weekend against Memphis, which could decide whether it’s the Bulls or the Tigers as the No. 12-seed. That one will take place in Tennessee, so USF better bring their A-game.