Big Ten College Football Playoff bubble watch after Week 7: Oregon thrives after Ohio State blockbuster

With seven weeks of the college football season in the books, the Big Ten playoff picture gets clearer. Some teams hugely improved their chances of being selected for the playoffs, whereas others took significant hits.

The biggest game of the week was in the Big Ten: a matchup between the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 3 Oregon Ducks. The Ducks came out on top with a 32-31 victory, which could be pivotal for their playoff hopes.

In the new 12-team playoff format, the five highest-ranked conference winners automatically make the playoffs, with the top four getting byes through the first round. The CFP selection committee chooses the next seven teams. The seven highest-ranked teams, regardless of their placement in their respective conferences, will make the playoffs.

In Week 7, three teams sit at the top of the Big Ten standings: Oregon, Indiana and Penn State. All three are undefeated and have 3-0 records against Big Ten opponents.

Big Ten college football playoff bubble watch

After the games this week, a few teams have nearly solidified their chances of making the college football playoffs. Others have hurt their chances and could find themselves outside the playoff bubble.

Oregon

Oregon (6-0) was ranked third on the AP Top 25 heading into this week. After grabbing a win over the No. 2 Ohio State, the Ducks should take the Buckeyes' spot in the top two. Oregon pulled off a comeback victory over Ohio State, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to edge out the Buckeyes.

Although Oregon is tied for the lead in the Big Ten, it would be surprising if Oregon is not selected for the playoffs after a win over a top-five-ranked opponent.

Ohio State

Ohio State (5-1) is still a likely candidate for the college football playoffs, but its chances of making it as a conference champion took a hit on Saturday. The loss drops the Buckeyes' in-conference record to 2-1, behind three teams with perfect records. Although Ohio State will likely still have a top-five ranking after this week and make the playoffs, catching up in the conference will be challenging.

Michigan

Michigan (4-2) has failed to impress voters in the AP Top 25 this season, falling to 24th last week. And it could fall out of the rankings entirely after a 27-17 loss to Washington. The Wolverines are narrowly beating unranked opponents and losing to ranked ones. A playoff appearance is looking less likely every week.