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Projected College Football Playoff Rankings after Clemson wins ACC

ByRob Wolkenbrod|
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

How could the College Football Playoff Rankings look after Clemson won the ACC?

On Sunday afternoon, the final College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled. This will determine the top four teams, with two going to the Peach Bowl and the other duo playing in the Fiesta Bowl. The winner of each matchup will then meet at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL to play for the CFP National Championship in January 2017.

Saturday night saw the last of the major conference championship games played. One of those included Clemson beating Virginia Tech in the ACC Title game, which should secure their postseason hopes. They already sat at No. 3 in the ranking, but could they move up with the win?

Here’s a look at how we think the College Football Playoff ranking could look after Saturday. This goes for the top 10 teams:

  1. Alabama – After crushing Florida in the SEC Championship game, there should be little doubt about who is No. 1.
  2. Clemson – This would be a jump from No. 3 to 2 for Clemson, who would take Ohio State’s spot. This is from winning the ACC Championship game.
  3. Washington – It looks like the Huskies have an inside track on the College Football Playoff after beating Colorado. Will they be able to hold off the committee’s love for the Big Ten, though?
  4. Ohio State – Despite Penn State winning the Big Ten Conference Championship game, it still probably won’t be enough to take the Buckeyes out of the mix. They would fall to No. 4, though, due to not making a conference title game. In this scenario, that would mean a date with Alabama, a rematch from the 2014 semifinals.
  5. Penn State – An epic comeback victory in the Big Ten Conference Championship game, unfortunately, won’t be enough. However, they should potentially get a Rose Bowl appearance.
  6. Oklahoma – They may have lost games early in the season, but the Sooners have rebounded and won the Big 12.
  7. Michigan – With Penn State and Washington winning, Michigan will likely drop 1-2 spots in the polls. Oklahoma knocking off Oklahoma State to win the Big 12 will cause this too.
  8. Wisconsin – The Badgers looked like they had the Big Ten Conference Championship game in the bag, but a 24-3 comeback from Penn State ended their high hopes. It shouldn’t result in a big drop in the ranking, though.
  9. USC – They seemed to be done for in the beginning of the season, but the Sam Darnold-led Trojans could be in the top 10 by Sunday afternoon after being red-hot.
  10. Colorado – Colorado got crushed in the Pac-12 Conference Championship game, but could barely squeak out a spot in the top 10.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

On Sunday, the final College Football Playoff ranking will be revealed at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Who will be the four teams in the postseason?

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