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The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee has finally released its initial top 25 rankings and the speculation about which teams will end up in the playoffs has intensified. In a landscape dominated by SEC and Big Ten teams, powerhouses such as Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss are vying for their playoff lives this weekend.

With the novelty of the expanded playoff format on the horizon, no three-loss team is expected to receive an at-large bid, although a two-loss team breaking through isn't out of the question. SEC teams in play this weekend include Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, all of whom must stack quality wins and build strength of schedule to stay in contention.

For instance, the odds of each bubble team making the playoff have become a hot topic. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Southern Methodist University (SMU) stands a good chance (+130) if they can win out and claim victory over Miami in Charlotte. On the other hand, Ole Miss (+160) faces a significant challenge, hosting No. 3 Georgia, where a loss will likely end their playoff hopes.

Iowa State, sitting at (+210), hasn't won against any team in the current top 25 and remains ranked 17th. The Cyclones need a strong finish to climb higher in the rankings. LSU’s matchup against Alabama this weekend is crucial, as a loss would almost certainly eliminate either team from playoff contention, with the Tigers currently at (+220).

Texas A&M at (+350) finds itself in a precarious position after a significant loss to South Carolina, making them one of the 'First Four Out'. Kansas State, priced at (+650), also needs favorable outcomes to break into the playoff, particularly looking forward to potential wins against ranked teams like Iowa State.

Pitt has seen its promising season derailed after a 48-25 loss to SMU. Despite impressive showings, their chances now stand at (+2000), needing not just wins but some help from other teams' losses.

Lastly, don't discount the Group of Five bids. Army (+1000), should they end their season with wins, including against Notre Dame, could find a path to the playoffs alongside Mountain West champ Boise State.

The next CFP rankings will be released on November 12, continuing every Tuesday night through December 3, leading up to the much-anticipated Selection Sunday on December 8. With the first season of the 12-team playoff format, all eyes will be on how these final weeks shake out. This new structure, alongside traditional quarterfinals and semifinals, sees an exciting December and January ahead for college football fans, culminating in the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20.