That previous section highlighting a lack of G5 progress? Well, you can partially blame the Big 12 for that.

Cincinnati, as any rational person expected, exited the Top 25 after the loss to Arizona. But the league promptly replaced the Bearcats with No. 23 Houston (8-2) and No. 25 Arizona State (7-3).

In addition to them rising above G5 programs, the Big 12 saw three-loss ASU ahead of three-loss ACC teams Louisville, Pitt and SMU. That only helps, if needed, the at-large case of Texas Tech, which toppled both Houston and ASU.

Things change fast in college football. Never forget that.

At this particular moment, however, the Big 12 has staked a claim to the “third-best conference” in the country. That matters in the committee’s talks.