Projecting the College Football Playoff top 12 after Week 2 - ESPN

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian desperately needed that home win against Ohio State — not just for himself and the program but for an early lead in the College Football Playoff race.

The Longhorns beat the Buckeyes for the first time in three tries over the past three seasons, and while it was a validation of sorts for Sarkisian and his quarterback, Arch Manning, it also was the first real statement about how seriously to take Texas this season as a national title contender.

The answer? As the leading contender, at least for now.

Texas became the first FBS team since at least 2004 with a 20-point comeback win against an AP No. 1 opponent. (Teams were 0-188 when faced with a 20-point deficit entering Saturday, according to ESPN Research.) While selection committee members will ultimately reward Texas for its second-half rally, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said his team has to «own everything» for its fourth-quarter collapse.

So, how far do the Buckeyes fall?

Spoiler alert: not as far as Oregon.

Separation has begun — and it's only Week 2. Based on historical knowledge and an understanding of the criteria and protocol, here's a look at what the selection committee might do if the rankings were released today.

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Ranking | Bracket

Why they could be here: The Longhorns easily have the best win in the country now — and that's a label that will last as long as Ohio State looks like a top-five team. Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and quarterback Arch Manning overcame a mistake-filled first half to earn what should be the most impressive nonconference win of the season.

Why they could be lower: Not after that.

Need to know: Ohio State can still capture the Big Ten title, which means this victory can