Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Poll Released

November 1 has arrived and with it the release of the first College Football Playoff Committee Poll. Let's remind everyone that this is an ever-changing ranking of teams and the Playoff Committee has consistently ranked teams based on a variety of criteria from strength of schedule to body of work to game control to the eye test.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide finished on top last season.
That's where they are once again in the first CFB Playoff Poll.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

It's not surprising that Alabama was ranked No. 1. The Tide's schedule at first glance provided some treacherous spots - at Ole Miss, at Tennessee and vs. Texas A&M.  But of the five ranked teams Alabama played at the time of their game, only one (Texas A&M) is still currently ranked). Still, the Tide have run through their opponents, winning by an average margin of 29 points.

The matter of ranking Clemson vs. Michigan is significant in a lot of ways. The Tigers were ranked No. 2 this week. First, Michigan's schedule going forward could help push the Wolverines ahead of Clemson if both teams win out. Second, if Alabama slips up - and that's an elephant-sized if - the Tigers would move to No. 1 and Michigan up to No. 2. Depending on who the Committee ranks third and fourth in the final poll if both teams finish there, it could affect where the teams go for the semifinal games.

If Clemson were No. 1, there is no doubt the Tigers would go to the Peach Bowl. With Michigan No. 1, however, the Committee could put the Wolverines in the Peach Bowl if they were to face Washington, forcing the Huskies to travel across the country. If Big Blue's opponent is Alabama, the Committee would likely shift that game to the Fiesta Bowl to avoid Michigan, the No. 1 team, having to play in the Tide's backyard of Atlanta.

I digress, though, because there is an entire month of games to go and anything can still happen.

Here's the real head-scratcher: Texas A&M with a 19-point loss to Alabama was placed ahead of unbeaten Washington. Most would argue that Washington has passed the eye test, not to mention the Aggies' loss. Where Washington has been hurt is the lack of strength in the Pac-12. Huge wins over Stanford and Oregon (on the road) don't care much weight when they are a combined 8-8. The Huskies just need to keep on winning, though, and there's a good chance everything shakes out.

As for the rest of the Top 10, I was somewhat surprised by Louisville's ranking at No. 7 and Auburn being in the Top 10. The Cards had been one of the most dominant teams in the early part of the season, with a "quality loss" at Clemson. Louisville, though, doesn't have very many quality wins. The 63-20 thrashing of Florida State has taken a hit with the 'Noles dropping two more games since.

Auburn has two home losses to No. 2 Clemson and No. 4 Texas A&M. The Tigers does own a win over LSU and is on a five-game winning streak. Auburn can make or break its season on Nov. 26 at Alabama.

Last, the Big Ten has four of the Top 10 teams and five of the Top 12 (Penn State is No. 12). Lots of love thrown to the upper Midwest, which will only boost the schedule strength of those teams going forward.

The Playoff Poll Top 10
1)  Alabama
2)  Clemson
3)  Michigan
4)  Texas A&M
5)  Washington
6)  Ohio State
7)  Louisville
8)  Wisconsin
9)  Auburn
10) Nebraska

-BtW