Heading into a crucial SEC game against LSU, Alabama has re-entered the College Football Playoff bracket projections from YSL News Sports. Meanwhile, Brigham Young has surged to the top spot in the Big 12 after the weekend’s losses suffered by Iowa State and Kansas State.

The Crimson Tide have already recorded two losses, but their victory against Georgia keeps their playoff hopes alive, especially if they can maintain their momentum with another win against LSU.

BYU is now the leading team in the Big 12 after a weekend filled with shocking results, including Kansas State’s defeat by Houston and Iowa State’s loss to Texas Tech after a failed defense in the final minutes.

These surprise losses raise the potential that the Big 12 might end up with only one team in the playoffs.

This is positive news for both the Big Ten and SEC, which remain dominant in our projections. The two conferences also occupied 12 of the top 25 spots in the playoff rankings released on Tuesday night.

College Football Playoff bracket projections

Indiana has made it into the bracket for the first time this season. Last Saturday, they found themselves down 10-0 against Michigan State, but turned the game around, scoring 47 unanswered points for a decisive win in Big Ten action.

The Hoosiers could clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game if they defeat Ohio State later this month, although that will be a tall order as the Buckeyes have a 28-game winning streak against them.

However, the current offense under new coach Curt Cignetti gives them hope. Indiana leads the Big Ten in yards gained per game and closely trails Ohio State in yards per play. They are also ranked second nationally in scoring, averaging 46.6 points per game.

The major question heading into their game against Ohio State is whether Indiana can secure an 11-1 record and tie for third in the Big Ten. On one side, their impressive offensive statistics and performance will attract attention. Moreover, the playoff committee may appreciate that their lone loss was to Ohio State, a team expected to contend for the conference title.

However, their schedule strength could pose a problem, along with the quality of their victories. Currently, Indiana’s two victories against winning teams are over Nebraska and Washington, with the chance to bolster their résumé with potential wins against Ohio State and Michigan. There’s no certainty that the Cornhuskers, Huskies, or Wolverines will achieve six wins, though.

Four teams to keep an eye on

Tulane

The weekend went very well for the Green Wave. They comfortably defeated Charlotte, improving their record to 7-2 overall and maintaining a perfect 5-0 in the American Athletic Conference. Additionally, both Navy and Memphis lost, clearing Tulane’s path to the AAC championship game. Although they need some support in the Mountain West to eliminate Boise State, Tulane is managing to take care of business on their end.

Texas Tech

If Texas Tech hadn’t relinquished a 34-21 lead in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 35-34 loss to TCU two weeks ago, they would currently be 5-1 in Big 12 play and sitting securely in second place behind BYU. Nevertheless, the Red Raiders are still in contention for the conference championship. A win over Colorado on Saturday would give them important tiebreakers against two of their top competitors.

Mississippi

Saturday’s dominant 63-31 victory at Arkansas showcased the Rebels’ potential. Having previously lost close games to Kentucky and LSU by just three points, their chances now rest on the upcoming game against Georgia. Although there’s a slim chance to reach the SEC championship game, any playoff aspirations will likely require them to win an at-large bid. A victory over the Bulldogs could make that scenario more realistic.

Minnesota

While Minnesota isn’t currently in the playoff conversation, they have an opportunity to be a spoiler against Penn State on Nov. 23. A victory would eliminate the Nittany Lions from contention and potentially simplify the road ahead for Indiana. The Gophers, who are on a four-game winning streak and are among the hottest teams in the Big Ten, could have been serious playoff contenders if they hadn’t lost close games to North Carolina (19-17) and Michigan (27-24).