College Football Playoff Rankings: Georgia Tops List, Alabama, UCLA in Top Four

Georgia took the No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday, leading a top four that now features Alabama and undefeated UCLA.

The Bulldogs’ ascent follows a victory over Ole Miss on the road in Oxford, a result that moved the team to the top of the committee’s list of contenders.

Notre Dame Climbs

Notre Dame climbed six spots to No. 5 following a 31-24 win over previous top-ranked Miami. The team now sits just outside the top four.

“They looked like the Notre Dame team that should be ranked No. 5. They were up 24-3 and dominating that game,” CFP committee chair Hunter Yurachek said on ESPN’s rankings release show. “And you look at some teams that were in front of Notre Dame that lost and that let them come up some.”

Miami dropped to No. 7 after its first loss but the Hurricanes remain the highest-ranked ACC team. Notre Dame’s rise puts them near a potential first-round home game in the 12-team playoff field, according to the latest rankings.

Alabama Rises to No. 3 After LSU Victory

Alabama moved to the No. 3 ranking after the Crimson Tide defeated LSU 31-13. Yurachek said Alabama holds the top record strength and schedule strength in the country.

Texas holds the No. 6 position. Tennessee jumped five spots to No. 8. Kentucky and Texas Tech round out the top 12. Boise State is ranked No. 24, but it would take the 12th seed as a Group of 6 team if the field were selected today.

Playoff Bracket Details

Georgia, Utah, Alabama, and UCLA would receive first-round byes if the season ended today. The committee will release final rankings on December 6. First-round games take place at the home campuses of higher-seeded teams on December 18 and 19.

Quarterfinal matchups will follow at four bowl sites on December 30 and January 1. The national championship game is set for January 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

More on this story: National Analyst Predicts Tennessee Will Make a Huge Jump in the College Football Playoff · No. 13 Tennessee Dismantles No. 6 Kentucky to Keep College Football Playoff Hopes Alive · Kentucky Football Expected To Rise In First CFP Rankings

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