Ohio State joins top four as Alabama, Michigan, Clemson remain

Don’t forget, Ohio State and MI still play each other.

Penn State and Wisconsin are two of five Big Ten teams featured in this edition of the College Football Playoff rankings.

That was evident Tuesday night when the College Football Playoff selection committee released its latest rankings, which will eventually decide who comes to Tampa for the January 9 national title game at Raymond James Stadium. The conference now has four teams ranked in the Top 13 and, with Washington State’s No. 22 ranking, six teams listed in total.

A Saturday full of upsets led to a reshuffling of the College Football Playoff rankings, with Ohio State being the biggest beneficiary. The Buckeyes’ only loss was by three points at Penn State on October 22.

Southern California’s 26-13 victory at Washington doesn’t end the Huskies’ Pac-12 championship and CFP chances, but the Huskies’ weak schedule strength could become a factor if they’re measured against teams with similar records.

These rankings are merely an appetizer for the Playoff Committee’s weekly rankings, which come out Tuesday, but this poll should still serve as a solid predictor for fans wondering how far their team might rise or fall.

So when the CFP rankings were issued out on Tuesday, there was little shock when the Tide found themselves at the #1 position in the poll.

No. 7 Wisconsin, No. 8.

If the Badgers win the Big Ten West and then beat Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State in their conference championship game, arguments will ensue even before we get to the final spot. Clemson went down at home to Pittsburgh, Michigan lost on the road to Iowa, and Washington lost at home to USC. The top four teams in the final December 4 rankings advance to the national semifinals. Clemson has two signature wins against Louisville and Florida State. If Ohio State wins out, beating MI along the way, but Penn State also wins out, the Buckeyes don’t play for the league title.

USC (7-3) appeared for the first time since the preseason at No. 15 after upending previously unbeaten Washington for its sixth straight victory. Ohio State, who won 62-3, vaulted up to #2 because of the losses. Name recognition may have something to do with Boise State jumping WMU but also the advanced numbers favor Boise State over Western Michigan.

The committee will prepare three more rankings leading into Selection Day (Dec. 4).