CFP top 12 projection: Utah salvages a bad day for Big 12
We assess how the selection committee could stack the top teams in the country after Week 8.
The College Football Playoff rankings are heating up, and Week 8 shook things up, particularly in the Big 12 Conference. A top 12 projection now has Utah sneaking into the top 10, salvaging a bit of a bad day for the Big 12. This matters because it shows just how competitive the middle tier of college football is, and how one or two good weeks can vault a team into playoff contention.
Utah's rise is notable given the Pac-12's relatively down year, and it speaks to the Utes' strength of schedule and performance to date. Meanwhile, other contenders like Oklahoma and Kansas State will be looking to make statements in the coming weeks. The selection committee's emphasis on conference championships and strength of schedule means every game counts, and teams on the bubble will need to take care of business to stay in the running.
Looking ahead, fans should watch how the top teams handle their remaining schedules. Can teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State continue to dominate? Will Utah's momentum carry it through the Pac-12 Championship? And what about dark horses like Tulane or Air Force - can they pull off upsets to get into the mix? The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the playoff picture, and TourNews will be tracking all the developments.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.