It's a new era for the College Football Playoff, with the field growing from four to 12 this season. That means three times as many programs will gain entry, but, beginning with Tuesday's initial playoff rankings,

The BYU Cougars ranked No. 9 in the first College Football Playoff poll released Tuesday night. Why it matters: The CFP is entering a new era as this season will be a 12-team format for the first time since the CFP was introduced in 2014.

Through eight games, BYU is 8-0 and 5-0 in Big 12 play. The Cougars have everything to play for as the calendar turns to November. Tuesday is an important day f