College football bowl projections: Utah into CFP bracket, Alabama up to No. 2 seed

Key Points:

• Alabama's dominant 56-23 win over previously unbeaten Mississippi State solidifies their status as a College Football Playoff (CFP) title contender, with quarterback Keelon Russell playing at an elite level.
• The SEC continues to showcase strength with Alabama and Georgia projected as top contenders, holding two of the top four seeds in the updated CFP bracket, while Texas remains the top-ranked team nationally.
• Several bowl game projections have been updated after Week 5, including new entries like Florida State following a strong win over Virginia, and notable matchups such as Clemson vs. Houston in the Pop-Tarts Bowl and UCLA vs. BYU in the Alamo Bowl.
• Injuries and team performances are impacting postseason outlooks, highlighted by Pittsburgh losing starting QB Mason Heintschel for the season and Missouri's impressive win over Florida boosting their bowl and playoff prospects.
• The updated CFP projections feature Alabama as the projected SEC champion at No. 2 seed, Miami as No. 1, and key quarterfinal matchups including Alabama vs. Indiana and Texas vs. Georgia, with strength of schedule and conference play shaping the final playoff picture.