Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 10-0. Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama remained the No. 1 team in the latest rankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee Tuesday night, but the more significant news is that Washington moved up one spot to No. 4.
Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Washington are the only four unbeaten teams from five power conferences, and they hold the top four spots this week, in that order.
Texas A&M was ranked No. 4 last week despite having a loss, but the Aggies’ second loss, to Mississippi State, cleared the way for Washington to move up. Nonetheless, there was some speculation that once-beaten Ohio State might jump past the Huskies this week based on their 62-3 rout of a Nebraska team that was No. 10 in last week’s CFP rankings.
But the Buckeyes only rose one spot to No. 5, followed by No. 6 Louisville, No. 7 Wisconsin and No. 8 Texas A&M.
The rankings don’t mean anything until the final rankings are posted Dec. 4. The top four teams at that time will be the four teams that participate in the national championship playoff.
Also of significance is that Western Michigan, the only other unbeaten FBS team, is No. 21 this week, one spot ahead of Boise State. The highest ranked team from outside the power conferences is guaranteed a spot in one of the major bowl games. Right now that would be 9-0 Western Michigan, which plays in the Mid-American Conference. Boise State (8-1) is in the Mountain West.
