Indiana hosted Nebraska on Oct. 19 and thumped the Huskers 56-7.
Ohio State hosted Nebraska on Saturday and won 21-17.
The College Football Playoff selection committee considers common opponents. This is the kind of result that could raise eyebrows in the room. Both teams have weak schedules -- overall, Indiana's is worse.
And then there's undefeated Miami, which, like Indiana, has showed off a high-flying offense against ... no ranked opponents.
When the selection committee's first of six rankings is revealed Nov. 5, one of the panel's toughest tasks will be deciphering how to rank teams that have played well against mainly average, unranked opponents.
How high can the Hoosiers rise in spite of their schedule?
One factor the committee will use to separate contenders is statement wins, and Texas A&M just got one against LSU, taking the lead in the SEC race in the process.
Here's the weekly prediction of what the committee's top 12 might look like if its ranking were released today.
Remember, this is not a projection of what it will look like on Selection Day. Rather, it's a snapshot of who is in the driver's seat now, based on what they have done to this point.
The 12-team playoff seeding will look different from this ranking as well. The top four highest-ranked conference champions receive byes, and the top five conference champions receive entry into the field.
Projecting the top 12
1. Oregon Ducks (8-0)
Why they could be here: The Ducks added another win against a ranked opponent to their résumé Saturday by beating No. 20 Illinois. Their win against Boise State looks even better after the Broncos won at UNLV on Friday night and strengthened their grip on the Group of 5 race for a playoff spot. Plus, with Ohio State escaping Nebraska on Saturday, the Ducks' home win against the Buckeyes continues to be one of the best this season. The committee also likes Heisman contenders and Oregon has one in quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Why they could be lower: The Ducks would only be lower if enough committee members simply think Georgia is a more talented team and its wins against Clemson and Texas trump Oregon's résumé.
Need to know: Oregon likely won't face another ranked opponent until the Big Ten championship game, assuming it gets there. It doesn't have to because its résumé is already good enough to impress the selection committee. As long as the Ducks avoid a November upset, they should have some margin for error heading into the Big Ten championship game, but that could mean the difference between a first-round bye and having to win four straight games for the national title.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 16 at Wisconsin
2. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1)
Why they could be here: The Bulldogs had a bye week, but still own two of the best wins in the country -- the season opener against Clemson, which continues to look better each week, and against Texas. The win in Austin continues to look good after Texas avoided an upset against a confident Vanderbilt team Saturday. The Longhorns didn't do anything against Vandy, though, to warrant moving up -- especially considering how much the committee will value the head-to-head result at this point.
Why they could be higher: It would be hard for the committee to justify moving up Georgia after Oregon cruised past what was a one-loss, ranked Illinois team. The committee would put one-loss Georgia ahead of undefeated Oregon at this point only if it believed that the Bulldogs had the better combination of eye test and résumé. Right now, Oregon wins the debate in the room, adding a victory against Illinois to previous wins against Ohio State and Boise State.
Need to know: Alabama saved face Saturday with its convincing win against Missouri, but right now it probably wouldn't be enough to put the Tide ahead of Georgia. Alabama has a head-to-head win against the Dawgs but because it has two losses and Georgia has only one, the door is open for the committee to rank Georgia higher. If the Tide continue to play well and win, though, that could change -- especially if Georgia struggles and/or loses again.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 16 vs. Tennessee
3. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0)
Why they could be here: The Nittany Lions avoided an upset against Wisconsin, and earned their third road win of the season, including the trip to L.A. where they beat USC in overtime. Penn State and Oregon both beat Illinois, and the committee compares common opponents, though the results weren't drastically different, with both teams winning by double digits and their defenses holding the Illini under 10 points. What separates Oregon and Georgia right now from Penn State is better wins. The Nittany Lions' best win is against Illinois, which thanks to Oregon is now a two-loss team.
Why they could be higher: The only real argument for PSU to be any higher is Georgia's lone loss, to Alabama, but the committee would likely value the Bulldogs' wins against Clemson and at Texas over Penn State's undefeated résumé.
Need to know: If the Nittany Lions' only loss of the season is to Ohio State, and they don't play for the Big Ten title, they will still likely earn a spot in the committee's 12-team field, but seeding could be a question. Teams seeded Nos. 5-8 earn a first-round home game. If Penn State's best win is against Illinois, and other one-loss contenders have better résumés, the Nittany Lions might not be guaranteed home-field advantage.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 2 against Ohio State
4. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1)
Why they could be here: The Buckeyes still don't have a statement win (their best victory is against three-loss Iowa), and none of their nonconference wins was against a Power 4 opponent. Every team ranked ahead of Ohio State here is also ranked higher in ESPN's strength of record metric, which measures how difficult it is for the average playoff contender to achieve the same record against the same opponents. The close loss at Oregon doesn't hurt anything beyond Ohio State's place in the Big Ten standings, and this is still a very talented team.
Why they could be lower: Even with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes' offense was one-dimensional Saturday against Nebraska, totaling just 64 rushing yards. The Buckeyes were in a too-close-for-comfort dogfight with the Cornhuskers and needed an interception with 1:16 remaining to seal the win. Ohio State has yet to really assert itself against better competition.
Need to know: The selection committee doesn't ask anyone to run up the score, but it does want to see better teams assert themselves against weaker competition. Ohio State closed as a 25.5-point favorite and won by four points. Committee members certainly aren't worried about the spread, but they will know this was a close call for the Buckeyes. If they win the Big Ten, it's a moot point, but if they don't -- how teams win and lose is part of the discussion.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 2 at Penn State
5. Texas Longhorns (7-1)
Why they could be here: Texas and Ohio State both won close games against lesser opponents Saturday, but the committee evaluates the entire "body of work," and the Longhorns' home loss to Georgia is worse than Ohio State's one-point loss at No. 1 Oregon. Where and how teams lose matters to the group. On Saturday, Texas did what Alabama couldn't -- win at Vanderbilt -- albeit barely. And it's now its best win, as Michigan and Oklahoma have combined for seven losses this season and Vandy has a better quarterback than both of them. Combined. The committee will still appreciate a true road win in Ann Arbor, as long as Michigan has a respectable season, just as it will help Texas to get its first true SEC road win at Vandy. The committee will almost certainly keep Texas behind Georgia, though, because of the head-to-head tiebreaker as long as their record is similar.
Why they could be lower: Texas has looked flawed in the past two games. In addition to the 15-point loss to Georgia, Texas allowed Vanderbilt four sacks and had 10 penalties for 108 yards. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had impressive moments, but he also threw two interceptions.
Need to know: Texas has a bye week and won't play again before the committee releases its first ranking on Nov. 5, so this is it -- what the Longhorns have accomplished through nine weeks is what they will be judged on in the first of six rankings. With only four games left in the regular season, the Longhorns' best remaining chances to boost their résumé are against rivals Arkansas and Texas A&M.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 30 at Texas A&M
6. Texas A&M Aggies (7-1)
Why they could be here: The Aggies have now won seven straight since their season-opening loss to Notre Dame, including Saturday's statement win against No. 8 LSU that included three interceptions of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. What was a seesaw game early turned into all Aggies in the second half. A&M has beaten Missouri, Arkansas and Florida, which all have winning records.
Why they could be higher: The lone loss to Notre Dame is looking better each week, as the Irish have rebounded from their defeat against Northern Illinois for a six-game winning streak. The Aggies entered Saturday ranked No. 9 in ESPN's strength of record metric, and Saturday's win against LSU should only boost that, affirming they have one of the best résumés of the contenders. They're hitting their stride offensively, and coach Mike Elko's decision to bench quarterback Conner Weigman for Marcel Reed provided a much-needed spark because of his dual-threat ability.
Need to know: If the Aggies run the table and lose in the SEC championship game, they will still have one of the best résumés of any two-loss team because they will have defeated Texas along the way.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 30 vs. Texas
7. Miami Hurricanes (8-0)
Why they could be here: Miami's offense continues to cruise under Heisman hopeful quarterback Cam Ward, and with Saturday's win against the rival Seminoles, the Canes have officially asserted themselves as the best team in the state. They've got wins against rivals FSU and Florida, along with wins against Florida A&M and South Florida. Miami doesn't have any wins against ranked opponents, but Florida, Louisville and Virginia Tech are above .500.
Why they could be higher: Miami entered Saturday No. 3 in offensive efficiency, and a top-five ranking has been a common trait of past playoff teams. The Canes have scored at least 50 points in four of their games.
Need to know: Miami is very similar to Indiana as they have two of the nation's top offenses, and neither has defeated a ranked opponent -- and might not all regular season. It will be interesting to see how the committee handles those teams in its first ranking, which might not align with the Associated Press poll. While Miami has had some very close wins -- against Virginia Tech, Cal and Louisville -- the Hoosiers have steamrolled everyone they've faced. Miami's remaining opponents have struggled recently, as Georgia Tech has dropped back-to-back games and now has four losses. Syracuse was just embarrassed by Pitt on Thursday night in a 41-13 loss. If Miami wins the ACC, it's a moot point, but one loss could create a debate.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 9 at Georgia Tech
8. BYU Cougars (8-0)
Why they could be here: The Cougars picked up their fourth road win of the season, and while UCF is a five-loss team, the committee will still appreciate the fact that BYU traveled to Orlando and beat the Knights soundly. That was BYU's toughest remaining game, according to ESPN Analytics, and the Cougars avoided the trap. BYU also has a respectable win at SMU, which is a contender for the ACC title, and a 39-9 win against No. 16 Kansas State. The committee would likely view BYU's résumé as slightly better than Iowa State's at this time, as the Cyclones don't have any wins against ranked opponents.
Why they could be higher: BYU's offense is starting to hit its stride, with more than 450 yards Saturday at UCF. The Cougars averaged almost 7 yards per play and won the turnover battle. BYU's defense entered Saturday No. 13 in defensive efficiency.
Need to know: With Iowa State off this week, BYU is leading the Big 12 standings heading into its second bye week of the season before its rivalry game at Utah. BYU and Iowa State don't play each other during the regular season but could square off in the Big 12 title game.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 23 at Arizona State
9. Indiana Hoosiers (8-0)
Why they could be here: The selection committee considers injuries to key players, and the Hoosiers continued to win by double digits with starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke (thumb) sidelined Saturday. Even without Rourke, IU didn't trail once against Washington and is one of only two teams -- along with Army -- to not trail this year. Still, it was evident the Hoosiers' passing game isn't as strong without Rourke. Backup Tayven Jackson struggled to get into a rhythm, and IU leaned heavily on its running game to pull away in the second half.
Why they could be lower: Indiana's schedule will be a concern in the committee meeting room, where members will note the FCS win against Western Illinois.
Need to know: The biggest question for the committee is how much IU's convincing wins can compensate for its weak schedule. The Hoosiers entered Week 9 ranked No. 109 in schedule strength. They have been clobbering everyone they line up against, though, ranking No. 4 in ESPN's game control metric, trailing Ole Miss, Ohio State and Georgia. If IU doesn't beat Ohio State, it won't have any statement wins against ranked opponents. Nebraska is currently the only opponent with a winning record that IU has defeated.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 23 at Ohio State
10. Boise State Broncos (6-1)
Why they could be here: The Broncos' combination of talent and schedule is what will separate them in the committee meeting room -- and not only from other Group of 5 contenders. Boise State has strong wins against Washington State and UNLV, two opponents that now have a combined three losses. There is such a thing as a good loss -- and Boise State has the best one, losing by a last-minute field goal on the road to what is now No. 1-ranked Oregon. Plus, having a Heisman contender in Ashton Jeanty and the top defense when it comes to sacks should put Boise State in the lead for the top Group of 5 playoff spot.
Why they could be higher: Navy's loss to Notre Dame further solidified Boise State as the Group of 5 front-runner, though Army will get its shot at the Irish, too, and is also in the conversation.
Need to know: Boise State has the best chance of any FBS team to finish the season undefeated (44.8%), according to ESPN Analytics. The Broncos have higher than a 50% chance to win each of their remaining games. If Boise State finishes as a one-loss Mountain West champion, it should be the closest thing to a lock for the Group of 5 CFP bid.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 16 at San Jose State
11. Clemson Tigers (6-1)
Why they could be here: The Tigers had a bye week, but have won six straight since their season-opening loss to Georgia. As good as Clemson has looked during its winning streak, though, the committee will recognize that Virginia is its best win -- and North Carolina just handed the Cavaliers their fourth loss of the season (41-14) in more convincing fashion than Clemson was able to (48-31). None of Clemson's wins is against a ranked team, and all of its opponents have at least four losses. Most, if not all, of the contenders ranked ahead of Clemson are either undefeated or have a better résumé.
Why they could be higher: Clemson's offense has shown measurable improvement since the 34-3 loss to Georgia, and it starts with the offensive line. Against UVA, Clemson finished with at least 500 yards for the fifth time this season, and although it wasn't a flawless performance, the Tigers were still able to dominate another league opponent.
Need to know: Two of Clemson's next three games are on the road, and all three opponents -- Louisville, Virginia Tech and Pitt -- are above .500. It also will face one of the best defenses it has seen all season against rival South Carolina on Nov. 30. If Clemson loses at Pitt to the only ranked opponent it will face during the regular season -- or at Virginia Tech -- and it doesn't win the ACC, it's going to have a difficult time earning an at-large bid. The committee would likely reward other two-loss contenders with better wins.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 16 at Pitt
12. Tennessee Volunteers (6-1)
Why they could be here: The Vols had a bye week after earning a much-needed statement win against Alabama -- one that looks even better after the Tide hammered Mizzou on Saturday. Tennessee's win against Alabama will help ease the blow of a close road loss to Arkansas, and so will the fact that Arkansas rebounded Saturday and beat Mississippi State 58-23. Wins against Oklahoma and NC State -- opponents that have four losses each -- will only help the Vols' résumé if they finish above .500.
Why they could be lower: Even in its best win (against Alabama), Tennessee has shown vulnerabilities, particularly on offense and with turnovers and penalties against the Tide. The Vols also needed overtime to beat an average-at-best Florida team.
Need to know: ESPN Analytics gives Tennessee more than a 50% chance to win each of its remaining games -- except Nov. 16 at Georgia. If the Vols finish as a two-loss team, they will be heavily dependent on that win against Alabama to impress the selection committee enough for an at-large spot. A road win in the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt is no longer a gimme, and the committee would recognize that as a more respectable win than in years past. Still, a two-loss Tennessee's fate would depend on how the Vols play, how their opponents finish, and how many other two-loss contenders are in the mix.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 16 at Georgia
Based on the rankings above, the top four seeds would be: No. 1 Oregon (Big Ten champ), No. 2 Georgia (SEC champ), No. 3 Miami (ACC champ) and No. 4 BYU (Big 12 champ). Each would receive a bye. Eight remaining seeds would play on-campus first-round games. Those matchups would be: No. 12 Tennessee at No. 5 Penn State; No. 11 Clemson at No. 6 Ohio State; No. 10 Boise State (Mountain West champ) at No. 7 Texas; and No. 9 Indiana at No. 8 Texas A&M.