The picture for the 12-team College Football Playoff is fluid after Week 8

Entering their first bye week of the season, Ole Miss sat back and watched to see if any carnage would unfold that would make their playoff aspirations more difficult. Before the season, there was talk about whether the SEC would dominate the playoff spots. However, in recent weeks the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences have had their say. There are still six weeks left, which means things are getting more and more exciting for the teams in and around the playoffs.

A few high-profile games would mess up my predictions for 12 college football teams like they did last week. Five teams went undefeated (Penn State in a bye week), and from here on out there is no margin for error for many teams.

Alabama lost its second game of the season to my No. 9 team from last week, Tennessee. It was the second time in three seasons that the Vols defeated the Crimson Tide. However, Kalen DeBoer’s team had numerous chances to secure another win of the season. Thanks to its victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville, LSU benefited from Alabama’s elimination. Tennessee moved up a few spots with the win, but is still vulnerable to an exit with a loss.

The top-five game between Georgia and Texas featured a dominant defensive performance from the former. The Bulldogs finally showed the world what they were capable of on defense by picking quarterback Carson Beck out of a hole and throwing three interceptions. It’s not guaranteed that these two teams will meet in the SEC Championship Game, but that’s the feeling with six weeks to go. If that were the case, I would pick Georgia because Kirby Smart knows how to win those big games.

Penn State and Ohio State split in Week 8, with Oregon facing a Purdue team that has a history of defeating ranked opponents. However, I still believe Ohio State would beat Oregon in the Big 12 Championship game if they met again. One team that is not in my top 12 and needs to be mentioned is Indiana. They defeated Wisconsin 56-7 and are 7-0 on the season.

Boise State remained my top Group 5 team despite not playing. Honestly, I’m not sure who will end up making this team as Army, Navy and Liberty are all working hard. UNLV faces the Broncos in Week 9 in what could be a preview of the Mountain West Championship game.