Projecting The College Football Playoff Top 12 After Week 4

According to ESPN's Heather Dinich, if the College Football Playoffs started today, LSU would be the No. 5 seed.

Georgia is projected to win the SEC and get the No. 3 seed.

The Tigers would host No. 12 Memphis (American champ) at Tiger Stadium in their first-round matchup. The winner would go on to play No. 4 Florida State in the quarterfinals.

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5. LSU Tigers (4-0)

Why they could be here: The Tigers' two best wins -- against Clemson and Florida -- are now against unranked teams with losing records. Florida State has looked better offensively, and its win against Alabama is better than LSU's wins. The Tigers' defense, though, has been something the committee members would notice. LSU hasn't allowed any opponent more than 10 points this season and is fifth in the country in defensive efficiency.

Why they could be lower: Some questions remain about the offensive line, which features four new starters and hasn't always given quarterback Garrett Nussmeier the time he needs. Nussmeier entered Saturday averaging 5.88 air yards per pass attempt, and the Tigers are still searching for more explosive plays. LSU's 17 explosive plays entering Saturday were the fewest in the SEC. LSU is No. 62 in the country in offensive efficiency. The selection committee looks for teams that are in the top 10 in both offense and defense.

Need to know: LSU has a chance to enhance its résumé on Saturday at Ole Miss, where a win would be its most impressive to date and provide some cushion for a tough upcoming stretch. LSU's schedule is No. 9 in the country, according to ESPN Analytics.

Toughest remaining game: Nov. 8 at Alabama. ESPN's FPI gives the Tide a 77.1% chance to win.

Bracket

Based on the rankings above, the seeding would be:

First-round byes

No. 1 Miami (ACC champ)
No. 2 Ohio State (Big Ten champ)
No. 3 Georgia (SEC champ)
No. 4 Florida State

First-round games

On campus, Dec. 19 and 20

No. 12 Memphis (American champ) at No. 5 LSU
No. 11 Texas Tech (Big 12 champ) at No. 6 Texas A&M
No. 10 Tennessee at No. 7 Oklahoma
No. 9 Penn State at No. 8 Oregon

Quarterfinal games

At the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential and Allstate Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

No. 12 Memphis/No. 5 LSU winner vs. No. 4 Florida State
No. 11 Texas Tech/No. 6 Texas A&M winner vs. No. 3 Georgia
No. 10 Tennessee/No. 7 Oklahoma winner vs. No. 2 Ohio State
No. 9 Penn State/No. 8 Oregon winner vs. No. 1 Miami

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