Georgia grabbed the top spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings but it was Cincinnati and Oregon who stole the headlines.
It was the 31st appearance by the Bulldogs (8-0) and the third time they’ve been No. 1 in the rankings but the first since Nov. 7, 2017.
Much of the focus on the first rankings centered around where the committee would place undefeated Cincinnati (8-0). The Bearcats are looking to become the first Group of 5 program to make the playoff but they face a perceived uphill climb with the committee ranking them at No. 6.
Alabama (7-1) and Michigan State (8-0) came in at Nos. 2 and No. 3, respectively, but it was the committee’s decision to put Oregon (7-1) at No. 4 that was somewhat of a surprise as the Ducks wound up one spot ahead of Ohio State (7-1) at No. 5.
Oregon defeated the Buckeyes, 35-28 on Sept. 11 with their only loss coming against a struggling Stanford (3-5) on Oct. 2.
Alabama and Ohio State have appeared in every ranking (43) since the inception of the playoff in 2014.
Michigan (7-1) came in at No. 7 despite stumbling late against Michigan State. Oklahoma (9-0) was ranked No. 8 as the Sooners haven’t looked impressive, struggling in one-score wins over Tulane, Nebraska, West Virginia, Kansas State and Texas.
Notre Dame (7-1) rounded out the top 10.
This is the first of six weekly rankings released by the 13-member selection committee, with the final standings revealed on Sunday, Dec. 5. Those rankings will determine the four semifinalists along with the teams taking part in the New Year’s Six bowl games.
The two semifinals, which rotate annually, will take place in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl and in Miami at the Orange Bowl on Friday, Dec. 31.
The Peach (Dec. 30), Fiesta (Jan. 1), Rose (Jan. 1) and Sugar (Jan. 1) bowls host the rest of the New Year’s Six games.
The top-ranked conference champion from the Group of 5 leagues automatically earns a spot in one of the New Year’s Six Access bowl games.
The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is slated for Monday, Jan. 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The selection committee is composed of chairman Gary Barta, Mitch Barnhart, Paula Boivin, Tom Burman, Charlie Cobb, Boo Corrigan, Rick George, Will Shields, Gene Taylor, Joe Taylor, John Urschel, Rod West and Tyrone Willingham.
Playoff rankings
1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Michigan State
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Cincinnati
7. Michigan
8. Oklahoma
9. Wake Forest
10. Notre Dame
11. Oklahoma State
12. Baylor
13. Auburn
14. Texas A&M
15. BYU
16. Ole Miss
17. Mississippi State
18. Kentucky
19. NC State
20. Minnesota
21. Wisconsin
22. Iowa
23. Fresno State
24. San Diego State
25. Pittsburgh
