In the third College Football Playoff rankings of 2024, Boise State made a significant leap and took the lead over BYU. The Broncos moved up to the No. 12 position, while the Cougars dropped eight spots to No. 14 after their loss to Kansas on Saturday night. With Boise State now ahead of BYU, the Broncos hold the provisional No. 4 seed in the playoff with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Boise State's Climb and BYU's Fall in the Playoff Race

Boise State's Ascent

Boise State's jump in the rankings is a remarkable feat. They have shown consistent performance throughout the season and have now positioned themselves as a strong contender for a playoff spot. Their win over Kansas and subsequent rise in the rankings demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level. The Broncos have a talented roster and a coaching staff that knows how to get the most out of their players. This upward trajectory gives them a great chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.Boise State's success is not just a one-time event. They have been building momentum throughout the season and have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to adapt to different opponents and situations has been a key factor in their rise. The Broncos have a winning culture and a determination to succeed that is evident on the field.

BYU's Setback

BYU's fall from grace in the rankings is a disappointment for the Cougars. After a strong start to the season, they suffered a setback with their loss to Kansas. This loss dropped them eight spots in the rankings and put them in a precarious position. BYU now has a lot of work to do if they want to regain their spot in the top 12 and make a playoff run.The Cougars face a tough challenge in Week 13 as they visit No. 18 Arizona State in one of the biggest Big 12 games of the season. A win in this game will be crucial for BYU if they want to move back ahead of Boise State. However, they will need to play at their best and avoid any mistakes if they hope to achieve this goal.

Tennessee's Struggle

Outside of the swap between BYU and Boise State, Tennessee also suffered a significant setback in the rankings. Georgia moved back into the projected bracket after a 31-17 win over the Vols in Week 12. Tennessee is now at No. 11 in the rankings and is the first team currently out of the College Football Playoff.The loss to Georgia was a tough blow for Tennessee, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs if they can win their remaining games. They have a talented team and a coach who knows how to win, but they will need to play with more consistency and avoid costly mistakes.

First-Round Byes and Matchups

The first-round byes are crucial in the College Football Playoff, and Oregon, Texas, Miami, and Boise State have secured their spots. Miami's move up from the No. 4 seed to the No. 3 seed is a testament to their performance this season. However, they were passed by an 8-2 Alabama team in the top 25.The first-round matchups are also shaping up to be exciting. No. 12 BYU will face No. 5 Ohio State, No. 11 Georgia will take on No. 6 Penn State, No. 10 Ole Miss will play No. 7 Indiana, and No. 9 Alabama will battle No. 8 Notre Dame. The Big Ten is set to host three first-round games, but that could change next week after Indiana's visit to Ohio State.Oregon has clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship game, and the winner of Saturday's top-five matchup will have a significant edge in the race to join the Ducks in Indianapolis. Alabama leads the SEC contingent of at-large teams with a win over Georgia, while Ole Miss, which beat Georgia in Week 11, is a spot ahead of the Bulldogs. Tennessee is outside the field despite having a win over Alabama. If there's a six-team tie atop the SEC at 6-2, the committee's rankings behind the team that wins the SEC title game will be fascinating.