
Ohio State held firm at second in the College Football Playoff rankings, putting the Buckeyes in position to become the first team to be selected to the final four without winning its conference.
The second-to-last rankings were released Tuesday night and Alabama was No. 1, followed by Ohio State, Clemson and Washington. The Crimson Tide, Tigers and Huskies all play conference championship games this weekend and presumably would be in good shape to make the playoff if they win. The final rankings and playoff pairings will be released Sunday.
Michigan dropped to five after losing to Ohio State. Wisconsin was sixth and Penn State was seventh. The Badgers and Nittany Lions will play for the Big Ten title in Indianapolis on Saturday.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!

1. Alabama | 12-0 |
2. Ohio St. | 11-1 |
3. Clemson | 11-1 |
4. Washington | 11-1 |
5. Michigan | 10-2 |
6. Wisconsin | 10-2 |
7. Penn St. | 10-2 |
8. Colorado | 10-2 |
9. Oklahoma | 9-2 |
10. Oklahoma St. | 9-2 |
11. Southern Cal | 9-3 |
12. Florida St. | 9-3 |
13. Louisville | 9-3 |
14. Auburn | 8-4 |
15. Florida | 8-3 |
16. West Virginia | 9-2 |
17. Western Michigan | 12-0 |
18. Stanford | 9-3 |
19. Navy | 9-2 |
20. Utah | 8-4 |
21. LSU | 7-4 |
22. Tennessee | 8-4 |
23. Virginia Tech | 9-3 |
24. Houston | 9-3 |
25. Pittsburgh | 8-4 |