Following the Ohio State win over Michigan, and setting aside undefeated Western Michigan as the playoff committee is senseless, we see a very good case for two possibilities. First, the Big 10 likely deserves 2 teams in the playoff, and an argument is better made for 3 if Wisconsin beats Penn State than 1. Second, there is a very good argument, particularly if Penn State wins the Big 10, that Ohio State (and Michigan) be included and not the Big 10 champion. Finally, at the moment, before knowing the outcome of conference championships, at present it would seem Washington is more deserving of a playoff spot than Clemson.
Top 25 (Explanation; Full Ranking):
- Alabama (nc)
- Western Michigan (nc)
- Ohio State (+1)
- Michigan (-1)
- Wisconsin (nc)
- Washington (+1)
- Clemson (+1)
- Nebraska (-2)
- Iowa (+3)
- USC (+5)
- Stanford (-2)
- Penn State (-2)
- Colorado (-2)
- Northwestern* (+2)
- Minnesota (+6)
- Florida State (+6)
- Oklahoma (+2)
- West Virginia (+6)
- Tennessee (-5)
- Washington State* (-2)
- Boise State (-4)
- Houston (+1)
- Texas A&M (+2)
- LSU (+6)
- Florida (-12)