As college football enters the final stretch of the season, the race for the coveted spots in the 12-team College Football Playoff is heating up, and this week's rankings have stirred discussions across the nation.

The latest edition of The Athletic 134 reveals crucial implications from the weekend's games, particularly for teams in the ACC and Big 12.

The weekend was particularly grim for both conferences when Miami (Fla.) and Iowa State suffered losses that severely dented their hopes for at-large bids.

In a twist that bolstered the SEC's dominance, Ole Miss delivered a stunning victory against Georgia, ushering multiple SEC teams into the playoff conversation while simultaneously complicating matters for other conferences.

Furthermore, BYU’s nail-biting win against Utah may not have improved its chances for postseason selection as the committee evaluates resumes.

At this stage, the ACC and Big 12 are hoping for upsets in their conference championships that will preserve their top teams.

For example, a Tennessee upset over Georgia next week could potentially favor the ACC and Big 12, especially if Alabama and Ole Miss suffer losses.

The increasing number of two-loss SEC teams could potentially push out teams from these other conferences, along with others like Indiana, particularly if the Hoosiers face a significant loss to Ohio State upcoming.

In this latest ranking, BYU has emerged as a surprise contender, currently sitting high despite ongoing debates about their place among the elite teams.

They're accompanied in the top 10 by Indiana, who made a slight move up to No. 7 after a narrow win against Michigan.

The Hoosiers seem to be safely positioned for a potential CFP spot, provided they secure their upcoming game against Purdue.

Alabama has clawed its way back into playoff contention with a decisive climb from No. 13 to No. 8 after defeating LSU.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss' rise to No. 9 showcases a strong performance, placing pressure on Georgia, who is now precariously holding onto its playoff aspirations after suffering two defeats against these rivals.

In contrast, Notre Dame barely hangs on, sliding out of the playoff picture as Alabama and Ole Miss improve.

SMU has taken the lead in the ACC rankings at No. 12, following Miami’s dramatic fall after a loss to Georgia Tech, showcasing the volatility of rankings as the season progresses.

Colorado is also gaining traction, positioning itself well for the Big 12 title game, climbing to No. 17 after a solid victory over Texas Tech.

Northern rivals Washington State sit just behind at No. 18, illustrating that while their playoff hope may be slim, their season remains notably impressive.

SEC teams are not the only ones making moves.

South Carolina jumped to No. 20 after a commanding victory over Vanderbilt, while Army secured a place at No. 22, marking the Black Knights' first wins against teams with winning records.

The rankings' lower tiers also exhibit movement worth noting.

Teams like Tulane and Louisiana are in contention for Group of 5 slots for the playoff bid, with Tulane rising to No. 26.

Just below, Iowa State and Pitt have fallen in the rankings after tough losses, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of college football.

As we witness unbelievable comebacks, uncertain standings, and shifting dynamics heading into the final weeks, all eyes will remain glued to the field.

Will the SEC's grip on the playoff remain firm, or will other teams manage to pull off surprises and shake up the rankings? Stay tuned for an electrifying conclusion to the season!