There weren’t any major surprises in the initial college football playoff rankings this evening.
A few things to bear in mind...
Sorry, LSU. The #3 team in the initial rankings has never made the actual playoff at season’s end (last year it was Notre Dame).
And while Alabama has been a juggernaut this season, it’s also worth noting that the initial #1 has never won the title (you may recall who was #1 in last year’s first rankings).
For Georgia the way forward is actually relatively clear. Win the next four games and you show up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to play in the SEC Championship Game 11-1 and you’re likely playing for a spot in the playoff. Whether the winner in the West is Alabama or LSU (spoiler, it will be Alabama), win and you’re in. Lose and you’re out unless some weird 2007-style hijinx occur in the next month.
It’s hard to say exactly where Notre Dame and Michigan stumble in this scenario. Though this weekend at #14 Penn State seems like a good place for the Wolverines to spit the bit. If Notre Dame doesn’t lose in a couple of weeks against #22 Syracuse it’s hard to see them going down. But they’re Notre Dame, so I’m sure they’ll figure it out.
Just. Keep. Winning. It’s that simple. Until later...
Go ‘Dawgs!!!