The College Football Playoff committee has stirred up excitement as it prepares for the final 12-team rankings. With debates heating up, fans are eager to see how the rankings will unfold over the weekend. The anticipation is palpable, especially with the top two records in the FBS since the playoff era began in 2014 still in play.
Ohio State’s shocking 13-10 loss to Michigan during Rivalry Week has dropped them to No. 6, while Alabama sits at No. 11, just ahead of No. 12 Miami. The Crimson Tide finds themselves in a unique position, potentially sneaking into the College Football Playoff as a three-loss team. But what are the key arguments surrounding these teams? Several debates that shaped Tuesday’s rankings will continue to be discussed leading up to the unveiling of the entire 12-team College Football Playoff.
Three CFP debates that won’t change
No. 11 Alabama (9-3) vs. No. 12 Miami (10-2)
One of the hottest topics in college football is the comparison between Alabama and Miami, a classic SEC vs. ACC showdown. Alabama’s strength of schedule gives them the edge over the Hurricanes, closing a seven-spot gap from last week. If SMU manages to beat Clemson in the ACC championship game, it could open the door for Alabama to enter the playoff despite their three losses.
No. 11 Alabama (9-3) vs. No. 13 Ole Miss (9-3) and No. 14 South Carolina (9-3)
Alabama’s position ahead of Ole Miss and South Carolina is solidified, with committee chairman Warde Manuel confirming there’s no room for movement this week. Both Alabama and Ole Miss have head-to-head victories over South Carolina, and while the Gamecocks are on a hot streak, Alabama’s strength of schedule and victories keep them firmly in the rankings.
No. 6 Ohio State (10-2) vs. No. 7 Tennessee (10-2)
The implications of Ohio State’s ranking are significant, as they would host Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Although Tennessee is ranked higher in the AP Top 25, the committee has placed Ohio State ahead, thanks to their impressive performance in three top-five matchups in the Big Ten, where they went 2-1.
Three CFP debates that could change
No. 11 Alabama (9-3) vs. No. 8 SMU (11-1)
The debate surrounding Alabama and SMU could take a turn if the Mustangs lose to No. 17 Clemson in the ACC championship game. If that happens, Clemson would secure an automatic bid and a first-round bye, potentially complicating Alabama’s chances. After all, Alabama has secured victories against both Georgia and South Carolina, while SMU only broke into the top 12 in Week 13. This debate is one to watch closely.
No. 6 Ohio State (10-2) vs. No. 5 Georgia (10-2)
Currently, Georgia holds the advantage over Ohio State, but this could change dramatically based on the SEC championship game outcome. If Georgia defeats No. 2 Texas, they could rise to the No. 2 seed in the final rankings. Conversely, a loss could see them slip behind Ohio State, which could be crucial for home-field advantage in the first round.
No. 6 Ohio State (10-2) vs. No. 3 Penn State (11-1)
Penn State has jumped ahead of Ohio State in the rankings, but their fate hangs in the balance as they prepare for the Big Ten championship game against No. 1 Oregon. Should Penn State lose, the Buckeyes’ earlier victory over them could weigh heavily in the committee’s decision-making. The head-to-head matchup versus a conference championship appearance presents an intriguing dilemma for the committee.
Big 12 champion vs. Mountain West champ: Who gets first-round bye?
As the Mountain West Conference championship game approaches, the stakes are high for both Boise State and UNLV. The winner will secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, but will they also earn a coveted first-round bye? The committee has consistently favored Boise State, placing them ahead of No. 15 Arizona State. If both Boise State and Arizona State win their respective games, Boise State is likely to secure the bye unless Arizona State puts on an impressive performance.
If Boise State and Iowa State win, the Broncos will clinch the first-round bye and the No. 4 seed. However, if UNLV takes the victory, the winner of the Arizona State vs. Iowa State matchup will earn the bye and the fourth seed. The drama surrounding these games adds another layer of excitement to an already thrilling playoff picture.
College Football top 25 rankings for championship week
As we gear up for championship week, here’s a look at the latest College Football Playoff rankings:
| RANK | SCHOOL |
| 1 | Oregon (12-0) |
| 2 | Texas (11-1) |
| 3 | Penn State (11-1) |
| 4 | Notre Dame (11-1) |
| 5 | Georgia (10-2) |
| 6 | Ohio State (10-2) |
| 7 | Tennessee (10-2) |
| 8 | SMU (11-1) |
| 9 | Indiana (11-1) |
| 10 | Boise State (11-1) |
| 11 | Alabama (9-3) |
| 12 | Miami (10-2) |
| 13 | Ole Miss (9-3) |
| 14 | South Carolina (9-3) |
| 15 | Arizona State (10-2) |
| 16 | Iowa State (10-2) |
| 17 | Clemson (9-3) |
| 18 | BYU (10-2) |
| 19 | Missouri (9-3) |
| 20 | UNLV (10-2) |
| 21 | Illinois (9-3) |
| 22 | Syracuse (9-3) |
| 23 | Colorado (9-3) |
| 24 | Army (10-1) |
| 25 | Memphis (10-2) |
With the playoff picture becoming clearer, fans are left wondering how the final rankings will shake out. Will Alabama secure a spot? Can Ohio State reclaim their standing? The excitement is building as championship week unfolds, and the answers are just around the corner!
