The playoff committee members have made their selections and the rankings are in. The top 4 teams are listed below.
1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Clemson
Many were shocked that no Big 10 teams were included in the top 4 and that Alabama was selected as No. 2. The committee members have made clear how they will analyze teams and what they value so in the future we can know what to expect.
SEC shows dominance in taking No. 1 and No. 2 rank
There was almost no doubt that Alabama and Georgia were going to be at the top of the rankings, but many assumed the Crimson Tide would come out on top.
Many critics of Alabama have voiced their opinion about the Tide's weak schedule and how they have yet to play any noteworthy opponents. The playoff committee did take this into consideration and that is why the Bulldogs are now the No. 1 team in the country. Although the SEC east is very weak, UGA has a reputable win over Notre Dame. Jake Fromm, the freshman quarterback for Georgia, played for the first time that week due to Eason's injury and he has not looked back.
Placing Notre Dame at No. 3 shows that they value strength of schedule heavily. The Irish have wins against 3 teams currently ranked in the CFP top 25 and only lost by 1 point to the No. 1 ranked team. Clemson has wins against 2 current top 25 teams and their only loss came when their starting quarterback was injured.
On the outside looking in
Many teams felt like they were not taken seriously by the committee and will not be concerned about the rankings right now. Wisconsin and Miami are two undefeated teams in power 5 conferences, but they were ranked No. 9 and No. 10. This highlights what the committee is looking for. Neither of these teams have played a top 25 opponent and they have not dominated the teams that they have played.
Both teams have the chance to win a conference championship and prove themselves, but until then they will not be talked about in the playoff picture.
Teams ranked 5 through 8 were the points of heavy discussion between committee members, according to ESPN.
5. Oklahoma
6. Ohio State
7. Penn State
8. TCU
Penn State is the only team here that does not control their own destiny.
The other three can win out and have a very good shot of making the final playoff bracket. Oklahoma went into Columbus and dominated Ohio State earlier in the season but then got upset by a rising Iowa State team. However, Ohio State just gained the best win of any team this season over the No. 2 ranked team at the time, Penn State. TCU has only one loss, also coming to Iowa State, but they do not have a strong resume in the Big 12 so far this season.
This is just the first of 6 weekly rankings, so things will most likely get shaken up further down the road. Right now each team is just focused on winning the next game and showing off their ability to the committee.
