### College Football Playoff Projections: Week 6 Shakes Up Rankings

As the college football season advances, it's never too early to speculate on the potential playoff field, especially with the playoff expanding to 12 teams this season. Though the official College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings won't be announced until November 5, we can't help but project what the playoff picture might look like after a weekend filled with monumental upsets. Utilizing the AP Top 25 as our primary guide, here's a look at the provisional playoff field following an eventful Week 6.

The Texas Longhorns ascended to the top spot in the AP Top 25 without playing a game in Week 6. They moved up from No. 2 after Alabama's unexpected loss to Vanderbilt. The voting between Texas and Ohio State wasn't as close as anticipated. The Longhorns are set to face No. 19 Oklahoma in their annual rivalry game in Dallas on Saturday.

Ohio State delivered a dominant performance against Iowa, conceding a score only after substituting in their backups during the second half. Despite a fumble by Jeremiah Smith, his one-handed touchdown catch showcased the Buckeyes' offensive prowess against a typically strong Iowa defense. The Buckeyes will face another significant challenge in Week 7 when they travel to Oregon for a highly anticipated top-three matchup.

The Miami Hurricanes mounted a thrilling comeback to maintain their undefeated status, overturning a 35-10 deficit in the second half to edge out a 39-38 victory over Cal with less than 30 seconds remaining. While this dramatic win was impressive, the Hurricanes' reliance on late-game heroics could be risky as the season progresses.

Iowa State solidified their standing with a 43-21 win over Baylor, thanks to impressive performances by Jaylon Jackson, Carson Hansen, and Jayden Higgins. The Cyclones' dynamic rushing attack and effective passing game make them a formidable opponent as they prepare to face West Virginia in Week 7.

Boise State's Ashton Jeanty continues to dominate on the field, racking up 186 yards and three touchdowns in just one half against Utah State. Jeanty’s consistent high-level performance will be crucial as Boise State aims to maintain their playoff ambitions.

Clemson entered the playoff conversation for the first time this season with a convincing 29-13 victory over Florida State. Phil Mafah's 154 rushing yards and the improved performance of quarterback Cade Klubnik have been pivotal in Clemson’s turnaround since their Week 1 loss to Georgia. Clemson's next challenge will be against Penn State, who defeated UCLA 27-11 and are set to meet USC in Week 7.

Looking ahead, the playoff picture could feature intriguing matchups and potential rematches. Ole Miss is scheduled to host Georgia in November, and with Alabama facing Tennessee in Week 8, the SEC's rigorous schedule continues to pose challenges. As matchups with playoff implications loom, the fight for an undefeated conference record remains fierce with only Texas A&M, Texas, and LSU still holding perfect records in the SEC.

With each passing week, the landscape of college football shifts, making every game crucial as teams vie for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.