Three weeks into the inaugural college football playoff season, fans have already witnessed the unexpected, as injuries and upsets have effectively eliminated some teams and vaulted others into playoff contention.

The University of Texas and Ohio State are two of the programs suffering from crippling injuries, as quarterbacks David Ash and Braxton Miller are out for the long term.

After losses to Brigham Young University and UCLA, the Longhorns already appear dead in the water in head coach Charlie Strong’s first season at the helm. With seven players dismissed, four suspended and backup quarterback Tyrone Swoopes leading the offense, it is clear the Longhorns are still searching for their identity.

Ohio State was initially ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll, but after Miller injured his shoulder before the season even started, it was only a matter of time before the Buckeyes suffered in his absence. After being upset by Virginia Tech last week, it is highly unlikely the Buckeyes will be able to recover in their chase for the playoff amid such weak perception of the Big Ten conference.

Fellow Big Ten member Michigan State faces a similar fate following their loss to No. 2 Oregon. After leading 24-18 at halftime, the Spartans fell victim to the Ducks’ second half barrage, as Heisman frontrunner Marcus Mariota led Oregon back for the 46-27 victory. Following Boston College’s shocking upset of No. 9 USC on Saturday, the Ducks appear to be in the Pac-12 driver’s seat at the moment.

Another name in the Heisman conversation thus far has been that of Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill. Despite having to fill the shoes of former Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel, Hill has thrown for 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions through three games, helping to thrust the Aggies into the early playoff picture.

However, it is the reigning Heisman winner and national champions that remain atop the college football mountain. Jameis Winston and the Florida State Seminoles currently hold down the No. 1 spot in the rankings, but with three of their defensive linemen out with leg injuries, they will face a tough test this upcoming Saturday against conference foe Clemson.

While the Seminoles hold the top spot, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remain the class of college football, boasting seven teams in the AP top 15. But only one of those teams, No. 3 Alabama, is in the coveted top four – which is selected by a committee for playoff entry, which will be selected in December.