Sep 16, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs nose tackle John Atkins (97) reacts with defensive back J.R. Reed (20) and defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) after recovering a fumble against the Samford Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The second College Football Playoffs rankings released Tuesday night looked very much like the first one released a week ago, although games this weekend could have impact going forward.
The top five teams this week, as chosen by the 13-member selection committee, were identical to the top five teams a week ago, with Georgia (9-0) holding the No. 1 spot, followed by No. 2 Alabama (9-0), No. 3 Notre Dame (8-1) and No. 4 Clemson (8-1). Those would be the four teams involved in the College Football Playoff if it were held today.
But these ranking don’t matter at all at this point. The pairings for the four-team national championship playoff are not determined until the final CFP rankings come out on Dec. 3.
Holding the fifth spot again this week is Oklahoma (8-1). The newcomer to the top six is TCU (8-1), as Ohio State, which was No. 6 a week ago, slipped all the way to No. 13 following its 55-24 loss to Iowa.
Unbeaten Miami (8-0) moved up from No. 10 to No. 7 following its victory over Virginia Tech, while unbeaten Wisconsin (9-0) moved up just one spot to No. 8.
Washington (8-1) comes in at No. 9, and Auburn (7-2), the highest ranked two-loss team, is No. 10.
Auburn hosts Georgia this Saturday in game that will have an impact on the rankings. The other Saturday game with significant ranking ramifications is Notre Dame’s game at Miami. Notre Dame’s only loss was by one point against Georgia.
–Two players from Alabama’s 2009 national championship team accepted cash in exchange for signing their names to memorabilia, Sports Illustrated reported.
Cliff Panezich, who sold signed sports memorabilia, told the magazine that he and associate Adam Bollinger paid Crimson Tide players Marquis Johnson and Terrence Cody $200 and $400, respectively, in December 2009.
Johnson denied that he was paid for his autograph and told Sports Illustrated that he did not know Panezich. Cody, through his agent, declined comment.
Other players mentioned in the report include cornerback Rod Woodson and tight end Colin Peek. Defensive back Ali Sharrief and quarterback Greg McElroy were also included in the story, although Panezich said those two declined compensation in order to comply with NCAA rules.
Panezich pleaded guilty in December 2016 to aggravated theft, identity fraud, telecommunications fraud, money laundering, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and three counts of forgery with a forfeiture specification. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
–Florida Gators wide receiver Kadarius Toney and defensive end Jachai Polite have been ruled out for Saturday’s game at South Carolina, the team announced.
Toney and Polite are nursing shoulder injuries for the Gators (3-5, 3-4 SEC).
Toney has recorded 117 rushing yards and 115 receiving this season while Polite has registered 22 tackles and two sacks.
–Florida State has rescheduled its football game against Louisiana-Monroe for Saturday, Dec. 2 at noon, the university announced..
The contest was originally scheduled for Sept. 9 but was canceled due to Hurricane Irma.
