With the losses of both TCU and USC in their conference championships, that leaves open the fourth spot for the playoff. The network gives it to Penn State, who only lost to Michigan and Ohio State. However, it’s pretty impossible the committee will put 3 Big 10 teams in the playoff. After Penn State, USC sits at #5, followed by two-loss Alabama, and then TCU. Experts seem to suggest that TCU will be chosen for the fourth spot, but both USC and Alabama are more deserving.
Top 25 (Explanation; Full Ranking)
Georgia (nc)
Michigan (nc)
Ohio State (nc)
Penn State (+1)
USC (+1)
Alabama (+1)
TCU (-3)
Tennessee (nc)
Mississippi State (nc)
UCLA (nc)
Florida State (nc)
Kansas State (+5)
Clemson (+3)
Kentucky (-1)
Texas (nc)
LSU (-4)
Oregon (-3)
Ole Miss (nc)
South Alabama (nc)
Oregon State (nc)
Tulane (+6)
Oklahoma State (-1)
Washington (-1)
Utah (nc)
Notre Dame (-2)