In the final ranking, LSU holds number 1 soundly. Also of note from the bowl season is Alabama’s redemptive moment against Michigan, rocketing them up to number 5. Clearly, Oklahoma should never have been involved in the conversation, with the network ranking placing them at 16 before the playoff. We would have been better served by no less than 4 Big 10 teams and 3 SEC teams, as well as Notre Dame, Cincinnati, or Navy.
Top 25 (Explanation; Full Ranking)
LSU
Clemson (+1)
Ohio State (-1)
Penn State (nc)
Alabama (+9)
Minnesota (+1)
Notre Dame (+3)
Florida (+3)
Cincinnati (-4)
Georgia (+5)
Iowa (+2)
Auburn (-3)
Michigan (-7)
Navy (+5)
Oklahoma (+1)
Memphis (+2)
Wisconsin (nc)
Appalachian State (+2)
Oregon (+6)
Baylor (-12)
SMU (-9)
Air Force (+1)
Texas (+3)
Texas A&M (+4)
Utah (-4)