Big 12 Gains Momentum in Initial CFB Playoff Rankings: Analysis with Jake Hatch on BYU vs. Texas Tech

CFP Rankings Released: Big 12 Shines, ACC Struggles

The initial College Football Playoff Committee rankings were unveiled on November 5, 2025, delivering a favorable assessment of the Big 12 Conference, with three teams securing positions within the Top 15. Conversely, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) received less encouraging news.

Big 12 Dominance

The Big 12 demonstrated important strength in the initial rankings, suggesting a competitive landscape and multiple contenders for the national championship. This positive showing underlines the conference’s performance throughout the season,characterized by several key victories against challenging opponents. according to data from ESPN’s Football Power Index,the Big 12 boasted an average team strength ranking of 78.5 as of November 5th, 2025, surpassing all other conferences.

ACC Faces Uphill Battle

The ACC, however, encountered setbacks in the committee’s assessment, raising concerns about the conference’s ability to contend for a playoff spot. Analysts point to non-conference struggles as a contributing factor to this outcome, as losses against out-of-conference rivals diminished the ACC’s overall profile. The conference’s collective record against Power Five opponents stood at 7-8 leading up to the rankings release, a point frequently highlighted by committee members.

Key Matchups This Weekend

Two pivotal games this weekend will significantly impact the playoff aspirations of several teams. These matchups involve Top 20-ranked teams and carry high stakes, demanding wins to maintain eligibility for the College Football Playoff. A closely watched contest features Texas Tech and Brigham Young University (BYU), with experts debating BYU’s ability to upset the odds.

Game	Teams	Importance
Big 12 Showdown	Texas Tech vs. BYU	Playoff implications for both teams
ACC Contest	Virginia vs. wake Forest	Critical for ACC playoff hopes

Furthermore, Auburn faces a potential trap game scenario, a common challenge for highly-ranked teams navigating their schedules. Avoiding an unexpected loss will be crucial for preserving their playoff hopes.

Did you know? The College Football Playoff Committee considers a variety of factors beyond win-loss records, including strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and perceived team quality.

Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on conference championship game matchups,as these games frequently enough serve as de facto playoff quarterfinals.

Understanding the College Football Playoff System

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a four-team tournament established in 2014 to determine the national champion in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football. The CFP Selection Committee, comprised of experts in the field, selects the four best teams based on a extensive evaluation throughout the season. These teams then compete in two semi-final games, with the winners advancing to the National Championship game. The system has evolved over time, with discussions ongoing regarding potential expansion to accommodate more teams.

The current format prioritizes performance in high-level games and strength of schedule, emphasizing a holistic assessment of each team’s candidacy. Factors such as head-to-head results, conference championships, and statistical achievements all contribute to the committee’s decision-making process.

Frequently asked Questions

• What are the college Football Playoff rankings? the CFP rankings are a regularly released assessment of the top teams in college football, used to determine which teams will qualify for the playoff.
• How does the CFP committee select the teams? The committee uses a variety of factors, including win-loss record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results.
• Why is the Big 12 performing well in these rankings? The Big 12 has demonstrated strong performance throughout the season, with several teams achieving key victories against tough opponents.
• What challenges does the ACC face in the playoff race? The ACC has struggled against out-of-conference opponents, impacting its overall resume.
• What impact do upcoming games have on the rankings? Upcoming games, particularly those involving Top 20 teams, will significantly influence the committee’s decisions.
• How critically important is strength of schedule in the CFP rankings? Strength of schedule is a crucial factor, as it demonstrates a team’s ability to compete against high-quality opponents.
• What does a ‘trap game’ mean in college football? A trap game refers to a seemingly easy matchup that could lead to an upset if a highly-ranked team underestimates its opponent.

What do you think – will the Big 12 maintain its strong position in the upcoming rankings? And can the ACC overcome its early setbacks to contend for a playoff spot?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!

What impact does BYU’s remaining schedule have on their playoff chances,considering the scenarios outlined for win-out,one loss,and two losses?

Initial Playoff Picture: A Big 12 Boost

The first College Football Playoff rankings are out, and the Big 12 Conference is making a strong statement. While the SEC remains a dominant force, the big 12 has positioned multiple teams within striking distance of a playoff berth.This initial ranking sets the stage for a thrilling finish to the regular season, and the performances of teams like BYU and Texas Tech are central to the conference’s success. We’ll break down the key takeaways, focusing on the crucial matchup between the Cougars and the Red Raiders, with insights from college football analyst Jake Hatch.

BYU vs. Texas Tech: A Game-by-Game Breakdown

The October 28th clash between BYU and Texas Tech was a pivotal game for both programs, and a significant data point for the playoff committee.Here’s a look at how the game unfolded and what it signaled about each team’s playoff potential:

* BYU’s Offensive Firepower: BYU showcased its potent offensive attack, led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff.Their ability to consistently move the ball through both the air and on the ground proved challenging for the Texas Tech defense.

* Texas Tech’s Resilient Defense: Despite facing a high-powered BYU offense, Texas Tech’s defense demonstrated resilience, forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays at key moments.

* Turning Point: A crucial interception late in the fourth quarter swung the momentum in BYU’s favor, ultimately sealing the victory.

* Final Score: BYU defeated texas Tech 35-28.

Jake hatch noted, “This game wasn’t just about the win for BYU; it was how they won. They showed they can perform under pressure against a quality opponent. For texas Tech, it highlighted areas needing immediate improvement, particularly in closing out games.”

Impact on Playoff Rankings: Where Do Teams Stand?

The win propelled BYU into the Top 25, solidifying their position as a contender for a New Year’s Six bowl game, and potentially more. Texas tech, despite the loss, remained in consideration, but their path to the playoff became considerably more challenging.

Here’s a snapshot of the Big 12’s representation in the initial rankings:

1. Oklahoma: Ranked #6 – Remains a frontrunner for a playoff spot.
2. Texas: Ranked #7 – Faces a tough schedule down the stretch.
3. BYU: Ranked #19 – A strong finish could propel them into the top 12.
4. Kansas State: Ranked #23 – Needs key wins to climb the rankings.
5. Texas Tech: Receiving votes – Must win out and hope for chaos.

Key Factors influencing Playoff Selection

The College Football Playoff committee considers a multitude of factors when making its selections. Understanding these criteria is crucial for analyzing each team’s chances:

* Strength of Schedule: Playing a challenging schedule against ranked opponents is highly valued.

* Conference Championships: Winning a conference championship significantly boosts a team’s resume.

* Head-to-Head Results: Direct matchups between teams are given considerable weight.

* Statistical Performance: Offensive and defensive efficiency, and also key statistical categories, are analyzed.

* “Eye Test”: The committee also relies on subjective evaluation of a team’s overall performance and potential.

Analyzing BYU’s Playoff Path

BYU’s remaining schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. Key games include matchups against Oklahoma State and TCU.

* Scenario 1: Win Out: If BYU wins all its remaining games, including a potential Big 12 Championship game victory, they have a strong case for inclusion in the playoff.

* Scenario 2: One Loss: A single loss would likely require significant upsets by other teams to keep BYU in contention.

* Scenario 3: Two Losses: Two losses would likely eliminate BYU from playoff consideration, but they would still be a strong candidate for a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Texas Tech’s Uphill Battle

texas Tech faces a more difficult path to the playoff.They need to win out and rely on other teams to falter.

* Must-Win Games: Upcoming games against Kansas and Baylor are critical for Texas Tech to remain in the conversation.

* Need for Upsets: Texas Tech needs Oklahoma and Texas to drop games to create more chaos in the rankings.

* Committee Perception: Overcoming the loss to BYU and demonstrating significant improvement will be crucial for gaining the committee’s trust.

Jake Hatch’s Final Thoughts

“The Big 12 is a fascinating conference this year,” says Jake Hatch.