LSU returns to the playoffs, Clemson is eliminated

By name, it's the College Football Playoff.

In presentation, it's shaping up to be the Big Ten-SEC Invitational.

The crowded playoff bubble cleared up a bit on Saturday. Losses by the Big 12's Iowa State and Kansas State and the ACC's Clemson reduced the chance for either of those conferences to qualify a second playoff team while increasing the likelihood of the SEC and Big Ten each receiving four bids.

The first CFP rankings will be released on Tuesday evening.

At this moment, here is my latest College Football Playoff prediction. The top four seeds would receive a first-round bye, while teams seeded 5 through 8 would host first-round playoff games.

1. Oregon (Big Ten)

While other conference leaders like Georgia and Miami continue to fend off attacks, Oregon continues to grow stronger. Unfortunately for the Ducks, an undefeated Big Ten title could put them on the path to facing Ohio State in the CFP semifinals for the third time. Some price, right?

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2. Georgia (SEC)

The Bulldogs are not inevitable. They are inconsistent, from quarterback Carson Beck to the defense. But they are still the best team the SEC has. Their toughest remaining game is Saturday at Ole Miss.

3. Miami (ACC)

Cam Ward and Miami's offense are good enough to pursue a national championship. His defense is vulnerable enough that the Hurricanes could lose their undefeated record before the playoffs, but I trust Ward to lead Miami to the CFP.

4. Brigham Young (Big 12)

The Cougars are the safest bet in the turbulent Big 12. Interestingly, the conference benefits if BYU finishes second in the league because it could unlock a second playoff bid. But who says the Cougars lose? Not me.

5. Ohio State (overall)

The No. 5 seed is one of the most enviable bracket spots, and the Buckeyes would be positioned for a possible “three-match” against Oregon if they lose to the Ducks in the Big Ten Championship.

6. Texas (in general)

The Longhorns would be out of the playoffs if they lost a second game because their schedule is softer than other SEC bubble teams. On the other hand, if they top the table, they position themselves as first-round hosts.

7. Penn State (overall)

The Nittany Lions will be the epitome of the expanded playoffs. Their credentials are strong enough to qualify for the playoffs, even if no one really believes they are a front-line contender for the national championship.

8. Notre Dame (overall)

The Irish's wins over Texas A&M and Louisville give the committee permission to excuse Notre Dame for its Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois – as long as the Irish don't lose a second game.

9. Indiana (in general)

Losses by Iowa State, Clemson and Kansas State expanded the Big Ten's chance of qualifying four playoff teams instead of three, and the Hoosiers became one of the biggest beneficiaries. Indiana's schedule strength may be poor, but it shines in the eye test.

10. Tennessee (broadly speaking)

If Ole Miss upsets Georgia, that could prove difficult for the Vols if they subsequently lose to Georgia on November 16th. A Georgia win against the Rebels and Texas A&M with a third loss would help solidify a playoff spot for Tennessee even if it loses to Georgia.

11. LSU (in general)

The winner of the Alabama-LSU game on Saturday will be happy about a place in the playoffs. Both teams offer a strong schedule. A night opener in Baton Rouge benefits LSU.

12. Boise State (group of five)

The Broncos would be the most dangerous of all Group of Five contenders and they are the obvious choice as long as they win the Mountain West without suffering a second loss.

Blake Toppmeyer is the national college football columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all his columns.