College Football Playoff bracket prediction: Texas earns bye, Ohio State slides to star-studded 8 vs. 9 game

Following college football’s season-long script of parity-driven results, rivalry weekend did not disappoint as the playoff picture took another wild spin following stunning losses from Ohio State and Miami that have disrupted our latest bracket projection. Ryan Day’s tenure is under the microscope after his fourth consecutive loss to Michigan pushed Penn State into the Big Ten Championship and leaves the Buckeyes grasping at reasons for consistent failures against their rivals.

The previously sixth-ranked Hurricanes could be on the outside looking in with a first-time bubble watch designation since they’re no longer in play for a league crown in the ACC. At 10-2 overall without a single win this season over a nationally-ranked opponent, Miami’s resume lacks staying power inside the top 12.

All college football odds via Caesars Sportsbook. Check out the latest Caesars promo to get in the game.

Our projections differ slightly from the sports betting markets ahead of Tuesday night’s fifth College Football Playoff top 25 rankings reveal. Oregon is the favorite at +370 to win the CFP title at Caesars Sportsbook. Other top contenders include Texas at +410 and Georgia +450, according to latest odds at Caesars. When you register at Caesars Sportsbook today, you can earn a welcome bonus that unlocks up to a $1,000 first bet back as a bonus bet. Use the promo code ‘CBS1000’ to claim this offer.

Projected byes in College Football Playoff

1. Oregon

Big Ten champion

The only unbeaten team in college football entering…