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College Football Playoff rankings slightly different from the AP Top 25
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Like turkey on Thanksgiving, a decorative tree at Christmas and lit candles at Hanukkah, this time of year brings debate among the college football experts.
Usually that’s the case. This week, though, there is little difference between the College Football Playoff rankings and the AP Top 25.
Clemson (12-0, 8-0 ACC) is ranked atop both. The other top four teams are the same in each rankings, too. Alabama (11-1, 7-1 SEC), Oklahoma (11-1, 8-1 Big 12) and Iowa (12-0, 8-0 Big Ten) follow Clemson in the No. 2, 3 and 4 spots, respectively.
The CFP rankings had the same four teams in identical spots last week. The only change in the AP Top 25 is Notre Dame (10-2) dropping out of the top four, and Oklahoma jumping up to No. 3.
Teams ranked Nos. 1 through 7 are the same in both sets of rankings for Week 14.
Michigan State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten), Ohio State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) and Stanford (10-2, 7-1 Pac-12) are ranked No. 5, 6 and 7. The first difference comes at No. 8 where the CFP has Notre Dame and the AP Top 25 features North Carolina (11-1, 8-0 ACC).
In the CFP, Florida State (10-2, 6-2 ACC) is No. 9 with North Carolina at No. 10. In the AP Poll, Notre Dame is ranked ninth while Florida State is 10th.
Although those might seem like minor differences, they could have major implications if top-ranked teams fall this Saturday.
After the loss to Stanford (10-2, 7-1 Pac-12), Notre Dame is No. 8, still four spots out of the playoff, but in better position than in the AP Poll.
Furthermore, in the CFP, Florida State is the second-highest ACC team, not North Carolina, which faces Clemson in the ACC Championship.
Should the Tar Heels win, would they jump six spots and into the playoff, or would the ACC get shut out of the CFP? With Iowa and Michigan State squaring off in the Big Ten title game that would open the door for Ohio State or Stanford.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
