We assess how the committee could stack the top teams in the country after Week 6.
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Projecting the College Football Playoff top 12 after Week 6
1. Miami Hurricanes (5-0)
Why they could be here: The Canes have the best combination of eye test and résumé, with wins against Notre Dame, South Florida, Florida and now Florida State. The Canes earned their first road win of the season, and they did it against their in-state rival, officially claiming the unofficial state title. Miami also entered Week 6 ranked No. 10 in the country in total efficiency and No. 4 in ESPN's strength of record metric. The Canes are checking all of the boxes for the committee's No. 1 team, including star power with quarterback Carson Beck and defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
Why they could be lower: Undefeated Ohio State won at Minnesota, but it's hard to imagine the committee members giving the Buckeyes the nod for the top spot given Miami's résumé -- unless they truly believed Ohio State is more talented.
Need to know: That was likely Miami's last chance to impress the selection committee against a ranked opponent. It won't matter if the Canes continue to play like this. Miami can clinch a spot in the playoff if it wins the ACC -- which it's on track to do -- but even a runner-up finish should cement a spot.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 1 at SMU. Miami should win this game -- it's the more talented team -- but it's not an easy trip. And it will be the first time all season that Miami leaves its home state.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)
Why they could be here: The season-opening win against Texas is good -- but not great -- after Texas lost at Florida on Saturday. The Buckeyes' place in the pecking order is less about one standout win and more about the steady consistency expected from a national title contender. They've won on the road against a decent Washington team that just rallied for a road win at Maryland, and at home against Texas and Minnesota. The committee doesn't look just for wins against top-25 teams; it also values wins against opponents over .500, and Ohio State now has three Power 4 wins against such teams.
Why they could be higher: Miami hasn't left its home state yet, and Ohio State entered this week No. 3 in the country in defensive efficiency, No. 12 in offensive efficiency and No. 3 overall -- ahead of the Canes in each category.
Need to know: Saturday's game at Illinois suddenly looks more daunting than the Nov. 1 home game against Penn State. The reality is that Ohio State should win both, but Illinois is coming off back-to-back Big Ten wins against USC and Purdue, whereas the Nittany Lions were stunned at UCLA.
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 29 at Michigan. Sound familiar? Ohio State has lost to its rival four straight times, and the Wolverines are starting to find their identity with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Michigan beat Wisconsin on Saturday for its third straight win since losing in Week 2 at Oklahoma.
Just sayin': ESPN who doesn't have a B1G TV contract (and therefore hates anything B1G) is sure hyping Criami. Just read their bias narrative.