The Big 12's aspirations for multiple bids to the College Football Playoff received a notable lift in Week 7, highlighted by BYU's significant nonconference triumph over Notre Dame.

BYU's victory boosts the Cougars' chances of securing an at-large spot in the upcoming 12-team playoff, potentially alongside the Big 12 Championship Game winner. If BYU claims the title, the runner-up—especially if it is a 12-1 Texas Tech team—could also have a strong case for inclusion. This scenario underscores the Big 12's collective strength, as demonstrated in the latest resume rankings.

Both the Big 12 and SEC feature three teams in the top 10, while the Big Ten matches this with its own trio. The ACC is represented by Miami, while Notre Dame ranks just outside at No. 11.

Notably, only four teams in college football have secured four victories against opponents ranked within the top 65 of the CBS Sports 138: Alabama, Kentucky (SEC), and BYU, Houston (Big 12). Among the five unbeaten teams in the Power Four leagues, three hail from the Big 12: BYU, Texas Tech, and Utah.

Furthermore, BYU stands out as one of just six teams boasting two wins over top-25 opponents, joining Alabama, Texas, Florida, Ole Miss (SEC), and Ohio State (Big Ten). Notably, Ohio State and Texas are the only teams with two victories over top-15 rivals.

As the rankings approach Week 7, the meritocratic system evaluates teams based on their overall resumes, factoring in wins, losses, and game locations without bias from preseason expectations or victory margins. This comprehensive approach highlights a team's full performance rather than just its best wins.