Projected CFP rankings after Alabama beats Auburn in 4OT: Will Crimson Tide drop?
By Scott Rogust
The College Football Playoff rankings were nearly shaken up, but Alabama saved their chances after surviving Auburn in four overtimes in the Iron Bowl.
Earlier in the day, the Ohio State Buckeyes were bounced out of the College Football Playoff picture following their loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Surely, surely that there would be no other major shakeups in the rankings on Saturday, right? Well, we were certainly close to that happening again.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, the defending national champions, nearly lost to the rival Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. But, a game-tying touchdown pass by Bryce Young in the closing seconds gave them life, and emerged with a 24-22 victory after playing four overtimes.
With Alabama surviving, here are the projected Playoff rankings.
Projected College Football Playoff rankings after Alabama beat Auburn
No. 1: Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are still the top team in the nation, as they blew out the rival Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 45-0 on Saturday. With a victory over Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, the Bulldogs will clinch the top seed in the final College Football Playoff rankings.
No. 2: Michigan Wolverines
Michigan earned their first win over Ohio State since 2011 and earned Jim Harbaugh his first victory over the Buckeyes as head coach. Hassan Haskins shined for the Wolverines, as he rushed for five touchdowns in the 42-27 win. By way of beating Ohio State, Michigan now holds the second spot in the Playoff rankings. Michigan is a win away over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game from its first playoff berth.
No. 3: Alabama Crimson Tide
Things looked rather dire for Alabama on Saturday, but it is hard to ever count out the defending national champions. Even though they went to four overtimes with the 6-5 Auburn Tigers, they retain their No. 3 spot in the rankings. There could be some suspense, however, when the rankings are revealed on Tuesday night, but they still won. Now, a huge matchup against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game awaits on Saturday. A win clinches a berth but a loss could be too much to overcome unless chaos happens, which it may.
No. 4: Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats finally cracked the No. 4 spot last week after the Oregon Ducks lost to the Utah Utes. They, along with Georgia, are the only two undefeated teams remaining in the nation after UTSA lost to North Texas on Saturday. With a 35-13 win over the East Carolina Pirates on Friday, the Bearcats will keep their spot in the Top Four. Now, the Bearcats prepare for their AAC Championship Game against the Houston Cougars.
CFP rankings: On the outside looking in
5. Notre Dame* (with a win over Stanford)
6. Oklahoma State* (with a win over Oklahoma)
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