The College Football Playoff rankings matter just a bit more to both teams but in the first early indication of which way the Selection Committee might be leaning, LSU edged out Ohio State for the No. 1 spot in the final Coaches’ Poll of the regular season on Sunday.
As expected, Clemson was set at No. 3 and Big 12 champion Oklahoma occupied the No. 4 spot. SEC title game loser Georgia stayed in the top five ahead of No. 6 Oregon. While the Bulldogs fell only one spot, Utah was dropped quite a bit after losing to the Ducks on Friday and wound up down five spots to No. 10.
AAC champion Memphis were up to No. 15 as the highest ranked Group of Five team, softening the blow somewhat of losing head coach Mike Norvell on the same day. Also notable is Virginia was not penalized for getting blown out by Clemson in the ACC championship game and saying in the top 25.
The full Coaches Poll following conference championship weekend:
- LSU (46 first place votes)
- Ohio State (14)
- Clemson (5)
- Oklahoma
- Georgia
- Oregon
- Florida
- Baylor
- Alabama
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Penn State
- Auburn
- Notre Dame
- Memphis
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Boise State
- Iowa
- Appalachian State
- Navy
- Cincinnati
- USC
- Air Force
- Virginia