Bowl projections: Alabama among three new playoff teams after Week 10 upsets

In this space last week, we set the stage for some major changes to future bowl projections with the calendar turning to November. That’s because as pressure increases in the final full month of the college football season the results can become more unpredictable.

We saw that unfold in Week 10 with five teams among the top 15 in the US LBM Coaches Poll losing. Three of those victims – Clemson, Texas A&M and Kansas State all fall out of the predicted 12-team playoff field. Each has their path to the conference title game diminished, and their potential resumes come Selection Sunday could be compromised when compared to other contenders.

So who benefits from Saturday’s results? It’s teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC – Brigham Young, Indiana and Alabama. The former two are unbeaten and look in good shape to reach at least 11 wins. The Crimson Tide already has two losses, but running the table, starting with this week’s trip to LSU should be enough to make the field given they already have a victory against Georgia.

That’s where things stand now. But as we have found out in the first two-thirds of the season, nothing should ever be written in pen until the final weekend. So fans of any of the current playoff field should hold off celebrating while holding their breath in next four weeks.

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Note: Legacy Pac-12 schools in other conferences will fulfill existing Pac-12 bowl agreements through the 2025 season.