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Using BCS formula to predict second College Football Playoff Top 25, 12-team CFP bracket

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh11/12/24

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BCS
BCS

In just under 24 hours, the latest 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 latest top 25 was revealed on Monday, giving us a look at how these teams would rank and slot into the CFP if it was still used today.

The first College Football Playoff Top 25 is set to be revealed Tuesday exclusively on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET in between college basketball’s Champions Classic event. In the meantime, here’s where the BCS-style formula would have the rankings after Week 9.

1. Oregon Ducks

Terrance Ferguson
(Photo by: Eric Becker/ScoopDuckOn3)

Oregon has been blowing opponents out in recent weeks. The trend continued with Maryland making the long trip out West, resulting in a 29-point Duck victory.

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So nothing has changed with who is the BCS’s No. 1 team. In fact, Oregon might not truly be challenged again until the Big Ten Championship game, potentially fighting for the top CFP spot ahead of Selection Sunday.

2. Texas Longhorns

A new program is representing the SEC in these projections, Texas. A dominating win against Florida and losses elsewhere have catapulted Steve Sarkisian‘s squad into the No. 2 overall seed.

Actually ranked No. 3 in the latest BCS poll, a Big Ten team sits at No. 2. And due to Oregon being at No. 1, Texas benefits and sees their seeding higher than its ranking.

3. BYU Cougars

Saturday night was quite close for BYU, kicking a game-winning field goal in the waning moments against bitter rival Utah. This kept the dream season alive and in the driver’s seat to claim the Big 12’s automatic qualifier spot.

Just four FBS teams remain undefeated through Week 11. BYU is one of them and is not too far off from clinching a spot at AT&T Stadium for the conference championship game.

4. Miami Hurricanes

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal looks on during a 28-23 loss at Georgia Tech in Week 11. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
(Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Miami was one of the shock upsets on Saturday, falling to Georgia Tech for the second consecutive season. Even so, the Hurricanes are currently slated to represent the ACC and receive a bye per the BCS rankings.

The one loss has not completely thrown Miami out of the CFP race but certainly puts a damper on potentially making it as an at-large bid. Winning the ACC was always the safest path but might now be a requirement.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes vs. 12. Boise State Broncos

As previously mentioned, a Big Ten team — Ohio State — slots in at No. 2 in the BCS standings. But they fall into the at-large pool now and would be the five-seed in the College Football Playoff started today.

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Boise State would travel to Columbus as the Group of Five representative. The Broncos’ only loss on the season is Oregon, having a firm grip on being the fifth conference champion included in the field.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. 11. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia dropping a game in Oxford has seen them tumble compared to a week ago. After being the SEC’s automatic qualifier, the Bulldogs would instead head on the road to face off against Penn State.

Happy Valley would be buzzing to host a CFP game, especially with a team like Georgia coming to town. Big Ten vs. SEC showdowns will always bring a little extra juice.

7. Indiana Hoosiers vs. 10. Alabama Crimson Tide

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke, an Ohio transfer and Canada native, will take on Michigan Wolverines football Saturday. (Photo by Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)
(Photo by Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)

Speaking of Big Ten vs. SEC, this would be the second projection matchup between the two conferences. One has been the sport’s dominant program for over a decade while the other is this year’s feel-good story.

Alabama and Indiana have never faced each other on the gridiron. No better place to do so than in Bloomington in the College Football Playoff.

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

Two one-loss teams are projected in the eight vs. nine-seed game as of now, both being iconic brands in college football. Tennessee and Notre Dame are both on the right track and hoping to even improve their standing in the closing weeks.

Eight games between the Vols and Fighting Irish have taken place throughout time, splitting them at four a piece. All have been home-and-home series but Tennessee being a spot higher in the BCS means Knoxville and Neyland Stadium would get to host.

Full BCS Top 25 following Week 11

Outside of the College Football Playoff teams, there are still multiple ranked inside the BCS top 25 with a realistic shot of getting into the field. This set of rankings will certainly be compared to the CFP’s once released on Tuesday night.

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