First CFP rankings reveal what means most for Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State

Committee reshapes the picture

The opening CFP rankings brought some expected placements, including Miami first and Georgia second. Other positions stood out: Alabama rose to No. 5, Notre Dame was placed at No. 11, and Ohio State followed at No. 12.

The gap between the committee’s list and the AP Top 25 means contenders must reassess where they stand. The rankings also set different levels of pressure for teams trying to reach the playoff.

Notre Dame faces a must-win

Notre Dame entered the rankings discussion at No. 4 in the AP poll, but the CFP committee placed the Fighting Irish at No. 11 ahead of their Week 10 meeting with Miami in South Bend. The article describes Notre Dame as the biggest early loser from the committee’s choices.

Notre Dame has already lost to BYU, and the Miami game is its remaining major opportunity to strengthen its case. If the Irish lose, the article says, their best remaining win could be SMU in Week 12 or a neutral-site victory over Wisconsin.

A 10-2 finish with losses to BYU and Miami might have seemed sufficient based on the AP ranking, but the committee’s position suggests otherwise. Notre Dame also lacks the opportunity to add a conference championship game result.

Alabama gains room to slip

Alabama’s No. 5 ranking is a marked rise from its AP Top 25 position. The committee appears to value wins over South Carolina and Kentucky, ranked No. 21 and No. 6, while also recognizing Alabama’s head-to-head win over Kentucky.

The Tide lost to Georgia and then suffered a heavy defeat against Tennessee, yet the article says the ranking gives them more margin for error than expected. Their remaining schedule includes Vanderbilt, Chattanooga and the Iron Bowl, while LSU is the immediate test.

A loss to LSU could still matter, depending on how Kentucky and South Carolina finish and whether those wins retain their value. Even so, the article says Alabama is positioned to make the playoff with three losses.

Ohio State has little margin

Ohio State sits at No. 12, identified in the article as the first team outside the 12-team playoff field. That placement leaves the Buckeyes with no room for error, though the supplied text ends before explaining their remaining path or schedule.