College Football Playoff Scenarios: Texas Upset Reshapes Final Week Bracket

College football’s final regular season weekend delivered pure chaos. The Texas Longhorns stunned the nation with a massive upset over previously unbeaten Texas A&M. The result dramatically reshuffles the projected 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. All eyes now turn to championship Saturday to finalize the historic playoff field.

Texas Stuns Playoff Picture with Historic Win Over A&M

No. 16 Texas delivered a seismic shock to the playoff landscape. They defeated previously undefeated Texas A&M 27-17 on Saturday in Austin. The loss eliminates Texas A&M from SEC Championship contention.

Quarterback Arch Manning led the Longhorns’ second-half comeback. He threw one touchdown and rushed for another key score. According to ESPN, the Texas defense was the true star, holding the Aggies’ potent offense in check.

The upset sent immediate shockwaves through playoff projections. Texas A&M was projected as the No. 3 seed before the loss. That spot is now in serious jeopardy, opening the door for other contenders.

Championship Saturday Looms with Major Implications

The final playoff bracket will be set after conference title games. The Big Ten Championship between Ohio State and Indiana is the headline event. The winner will almost certainly secure the coveted No. 1 overall seed and a first-round bye.

The SEC Championship between Georgia and Alabama carries similar weight. Both teams are competing for a top-four seed and a bye week. The loser risks falling into the 5-8 seed range, requiring a first-round home game.

Other conferences will finalize automatic qualifiers. The Big 12, Pac-12, and ACC champions will claim their spots. These results will determine the final at-large bids in the new 12-team format.

Updated Bracket Projection and Contender Outlook

Following the weekend’s upsets, the projected bracket sees major shifts. Georgia and Texas Tech are now positioned to potentially claim first-round byes. Teams like Oregon and Ole Miss remain in the hunt for home-field advantage in the first round.

The Texas A&M loss creates a critical opportunity for teams on the bubble. Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Miami now have clearer paths to an at-large bid. Their fate will hinge on performances in championship games and the selection committee’s final deliberations.

The new 12-team format was designed for moments like this. It incorporates more teams and reduces the impact of a single late-season loss. However, seeding for bye weeks and home games remains fiercely competitive, keeping every game critical.

The final College Football Playoff scenarios will crystallize after an unprecedented championship weekend, setting the stage for a historic postseason.

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How did Texas A&M’s loss affect their playoff chances?

The loss severely damaged their seeding. They fell from a projected top-three seed and a first-round bye to likely needing to host a first-round game. Their playoff spot is still probable, but their path became much harder.

Who benefits most from the Texas upset?

Georgia and Texas Tech benefit directly, moving into prime position for a first-round bye. Bubble teams like Notre Dame and Oklahoma also benefit, as the upset created less competition for the final at-large bids in the 12-team field.

What must Ohio State do to secure the No. 1 seed?

Ohio State must defeat Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. A win would secure a 13-0 record and the conference title, making them the clear favorite for the top overall seed and the accompanying playoff bye.

Can Texas make the playoff after this win?

It is highly unlikely. While the win is a massive resume booster, Texas has multiple losses. Their path would require absolute chaos in other conference title games and likely will not materialize in the final selection.