Selection committee chair Mack Rhoades made a point after the first College Football Playoff rankings: the committee watches the games. That film study will matter as the group debates tight calls — most notably who should occupy No. 2 on Tuesday: undefeated Indiana, which scraped past 3-6 Penn State, or unbeaten Texas A&M, which convincingly beat a ranked Missouri. Below is a revised top-12 projection and the reasoning the committee is likely to weigh for each team.
1. Ohio State (9-0) Why they’re here: The Buckeyes keep edging top teams thanks to strong game control, a high strength of record and standout offensive and defensive play observed on film. Why they could slip: A softer remaining schedule and close comparisons to other undefeated teams give the committee little margin for error. Need to know: ESPN Analytics gave Ohio State the best chance to reach the playoff and the highest odds to win it all entering Week 11. Toughest remaining game: Nov. 29 at Michigan.
2. Indiana (10-0) Why they’re here: Indiana’s résumé includes a double-digit road win at Oregon and a top-25 victory at Iowa; they avoided jeopardizing a first-round bye with a late escape at Penn State. Why th
