It just means more... top two teams.
The SEC once again led the way in the initial set of 2017 College Football Playoff Selection Committee rankings that were released on Tuesday night. Both undefeated No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Alabama were placed in the top two slots in the only poll that matters, followed by No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 4 Clemson to round out the first top four of the season.
Close calls at many levels this week. That victory over Notre Dame tipped No. 1 to Georgia.
— Bill Hancock (@BHancockCFP) October 31, 2017
Also notable? UCF debuting as the highest-ranked Group of Five team and at a No. 18 spot somewhat higher than we typically see such teams check in at. Otherwise the committee’s top 25 was fairly similar to the AP Poll, despite Mississippi State being five spots higher, Auburn (the highest ranked two-loss team) two spots higher and having Stanford three spots lower than the regular poll voters.
The full CFP top 25:
1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Clemson
5. Oklahoma
6. Ohio State
7. Penn State
8. TCU
9. Wisconsin
10. Miami (FL)
11. Oklahoma State
12. Washington
13. Virginia Tech
14. Auburn
15. Iowa State
16. Mississippi State
17. USC
18. UCF
19. LSU
20. N.C. State
21. Stanford
22. Arizona
23. Memphis
24. Michigan State
25. Washington State
For those wondering, the initial set of selection committee rankings last year at this time featured a top four of Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Texas A&M (in that order). Eventual Fiesta Bowl pick and three-seed Ohio State was slotted sixth in the same poll, while Washington was just outside the first group at No. 5 in the rankings.