The College Football Playoff Committee Tuesday night gave the country their first opinion as to the nation’s top four teams, and for the first time since the first CFP rankings in 2014, Clemson is not in the top four. The committed placed Ohio State in the top spot followed by LSU, Alabama and Penn State. Clemson was ranked 5th and Georgia, the first team in the ranking with a loss, is ranked 6th.

For Clemson fans, there really is no reason for concern at this point as the Tigers still control their own postseason destiny. An undefeated Clemson after the ACC Championship game will have a place in the top four, if for no other reason that with LSU playing Alabama this weekend, one will take a loss. According to the committee chairman, Clemson’s schedule and the close call at North Carolina combined with Penn State’s wins over Iowa and Michigan were enough for the committee to put the Nittany Lions into fourth ahead of the Tigers. Penn State faces another tough game this weekend against unbeaten Minnesota.

Ohio State is No. 1 because of their overall consistent dominant play each week as well as their strength on offense and defense. Undefeated LSU is No. 2 because of its tough schedule and marquee wins over Florida and Auburn. Alabama is No. 3 because committee members are impressed with its overall performance and quality of play on both sides of the ball. Penn State is No. 4 because of its strong play, which includes wins over Michigan and Iowa.

From the committee chairman Rob Mullens:

Ohio State is No. 1 because of their overall consistent dominant play each week as well as their strength on offense and defense. Undefeated LSU is No. 2 because of its tough schedule and marquee wins over Florida and Auburn. Alabama is No. 3 because committee members are impressed with its overall performance and quality of play on both sides of the ball. Penn State is No. 4 because of its strong play, which includes wins over Michigan and Iowa.
Penn State’s strength of schedule gave it an edge over an impressive Clemson, which we ranked No. 5. 

CFP Ranking #1
1 Ohio State 8-0
2 LSU 8-0
3 Alabama 8-0
4 Penn State 8-0
5 Clemson 9-0
6 Georgia 7-1
7 Oregon 8-1
8 Utah 8-1
9 Oklahoma 7-1
10 Florida 7-2
11 Auburn 7-2
12 Baylor 8-0
13 Wisconsin 6-2
14 Michigan 7-2
15 Notre Dame 6-2
16 Kansas State 6-2
17 Minnesota 8-0
18 Iowa 6-2
19 Wake Forest 7-1
20 Cincinnati 7-1
21 Memphis 8-1
22 Boise State 7-1
23 Oklahoma State 6-3
24 Navy 7-1
25 SMU 8-1