Recap of Top Playoffs and Matchups from the Weekend
The group responsible for selecting the four teams to compete in the College Football Playoff is not influenced by any particular poll or past rankings. They base their decisions solely on the current performance of teams.
The initial rankings, revealed on Tuesday night, reflect this approach. They also slightly diminish the excitement surrounding the upcoming LSU versus Alabama game, where the top two teams in the Associated Press poll will face off.
Leading the pack in the significant rankings is Ohio State. The Buckeyes, with an 8-0 record, demonstrated their strength by decisively defeating the previously undefeated Wisconsin. However, they still face challenging games against Penn State (8-0, ranked No. 4 by CFP) and Michigan (7-2, ranked No. 14).
LSU and Alabama, both with 8-0 records, occupy the 2nd and 3rd spots. This ranking will undoubtedly change after one team suffers their first loss this Saturday. Penn State’s future matchups include Ohio State and the undefeated Minnesota team.
As for defending national champions Clemson, they are currently 9-0 and began the season as the top team in the AP poll. Their remaining significant challenge seems to be facing a resilient Wake Forest team. The Tigers, at 9-0, stand to gain from potential losses among the Big Ten teams ranked above them.
The College Football Playoff committee is set to announce rankings five more times, with the final one on Dec. 6 determining the playoff contenders and teams in the six New Year’s bowls (commencing on Dec. 28 with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl as semifinal playoffs). The championship game is scheduled for Jan. 13.
