Alabama checks in at No. 5 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings the committee released Tuesday night, following the Crimson Tide’s 26-14 loss to Auburn.

The final rankings will be released Sunday afternoon after the weekend’s conference championship games have been played. Alabama has received a bid into the CFP in its first three years in existence.

The defending national champion, Clemson, jumped to No. 1 and on the strength of its win over Alabama, Auburn held the No. 2 spot. Oklahoma was No. 3 with unbeaten Wisconsin at No. 4. Georgia was one spot behind the Crimson Tide at sixth.

CFP Selection Committee Chairman Kirby Hocutt said this week’s ranking, at least the top four, was an easy process.

“We did believe this week we had the top four teams identified,” Hocutt said. “It was clearcut…in the committee’s discussions. The losses to come into discussion as we consider the resume. Do they matter? They do matter.”

Asked what happens if Ohio State beats Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, Hocutt sidestepped the question about the debate between Alabama and Ohio State.

“Our charge is to find the four very best teams,” he said. “We’ll come into committee room…and rank these teams until we’re sure we have the four best teams.”

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR