The five highest-ranked conference champs will each receive an automatic bid to playoffs, while the top four will also receive a first-round bye in the 12-team bracket. As it stands, most analysts predict the bye recipients will be Oregon (Big Ten), Texas (SEC), SMU (ACC), and Boise State (Mountain West).

We have some clarity on the CFP field going into championship weekend. Ohio State, Georgia appear safe. Indiana, Miami should root for SMU.

With the 32nd-highest strength of schedule and fourth-best strength of record, the Nittany Lions (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) have received favorable rankings from the playoff committee