Welcome to the party, Iowa and Minnesota!

The Hawkeyes and Golden Gophers clinched bowl eligibility with wins over Wisconsin and Illinois, respectively. And in doing so, they each separated themselves from the continuing logjam that is dominating the middle of the conference.

However, the outlook is much clearer for teams like Rutgers, Maryland, USC and Washington. The first 3 are out of the latest projections – It’s hard to pave a path for any of them to 6 wins with their remaining schedules. Washington, however, is in great shape after downing USC on Saturday – beat UCLA in 2 weeks and pick out your bowling shoes, Huskies.

The 2 teams in limbo right now are Nebraska and Wisconsin. One of them will eclipse 6 wins thanks to an upcoming matchup on November 15. Both have a chance without beating the other, but Nebraska is in better shape in a losing scenario.

Perhaps the most important development of the weekend, Indiana is now firmly in the College Football Playoff following chaos in Week 10. Iowa State, Clemson and Texas A&M – all of which were projected to be in the field last week – lost to unranked teams Saturday. Indiana should be in the Field of 12 with a win over Michigan Saturday, regardless of a win or loss against Ohio State (so long as it’s competitive).

Tennessee and LSU join Indiana in the projections after being left out last week. The Tigers could swap places with Alabama if the Crimson Tide are able to vanquish the Tigers in front of a raucous Death Valley crowd next week.

Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State are all set to make the playoff, in that order. The Ducks are the best team in the country right now, and Ohio State affirmed itself with a massive win over Penn State, which proved its defense can dance with anyone in the country.

Until next week, college football.

College Football Playoff

Sugar Bowl: Oregon vs. 8/9 winner

Rose Bowl: Georgia vs. 7/10 winner

Peach Bowl: Miami vs. 6/11 winner

Fiesta Bowl: BYU vs. 5/12 winner

First Round

From Columbus, Ohio: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 LSU

From State College, Pennsylvania: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 Boise State

From South Bend, Indiana: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana

From Austin, Texas: No. 8 Texas vs. No. 9 Tennessee

The Rest

Citrus Bowl: Illinois vs. Alabama

Mayo Bowl: Michigan vs. Clemson

ReliaQuest Bowl: Minnesota vs. Texas A&M

Music City Bowl: Iowa vs. South Carolina

Holiday Bowl: Washington vs. Pitt

Pinstripe Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Syracuse

Rate Bowl: Nebraska vs. Baylor

Detroit Bowl: Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan