Texas A&M, which is riding a four-game winning streak, was listed fifth on the initial College Football Playoff rankings, which were announced on Tuesday night.
As expected, Alabama (7-0) is ranked first. Notre Dame (8-0) is second, followed by Clemson (7-1) and Ohio State (4-0).
The Aggies’ ranking is based on their overall record and a 41-38 victory over Florida (6-1), which is ranked sixth.
The No. 5 ranking puts the Aggies (5-1) on the doorstep of making the four-team College Football Playoff field.
A&M would need to finish the season with consecutive victories over LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Ole Miss and hope at least one team ranked ahead to lose to have a chance to move up.
Notre Dame defeated Clemson earlier this season, 47-40, in overtime. The Fighting Irish and Tigers project to play in a rematch in the ACC Championship game, which could knock the loser from the top four.
Alabama and Florida are projected to meet in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The Aggies would need Alabama to win. Florida would jump ahead of A&M if the Gators upset the Crimson Tide.
The rest of the top ten is No. 7 Cincinnati (8-0), No. 8 Northwestern (5-0), No. 9 Georgia (5-2) and No. 10 Miami (7-1).
1. Alabama (7-0)
2. Notre Dame (8-0)
3. Clemson (7-1)
4. Ohio State (4-0)
5. Texas A&M (5-1)
6. Florida (6-1)
7. Cincinnati (8-0)
8. Northwestern (5-0)
9. Georgia (5-2)
10. Miami (7-1)
11. Oklahoma (6-2)
12. Indiana (4-1)
13. Iowa State (6-2)
14. BYU (9-0)
15. Oregon (3-0)
16. Wisconsin (2-1)
17. Texas (5-2)
18. USC (3-0)
19. North Carolina (6-2)
20. Coastal Carolina (8-0)
21. Marshall (7-0)
22. Auburn (5-2)
23. Oklahoma State (5-2)
24. Iowa (3-2)
25. Tulsa (5-1)
slyfox07 said:
I honestly feel like the biggest obstacle for us to make the top 4 is winning out
On paper we should win every game left by more than a TD.
I just find it hard to believe that we will
Quote:
I honestly feel like the biggest obstacle for us to make the top 4 is winning out