Clemson topped the initial rankings set by the College Football Playoff selection committee on Tuesday. Undefeated Clemson (8-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) has beaten four teams with a “better than .500 record,” selection committee chairman Jeff Long said. The Tigers are one of 11 undefeated teams in the rankings. Louisiana State (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference), Ohio State (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) and Alabama (7-1, 4-1 SEC) followed the Tigers, while independent Notre Dame (7-1) rounded out the top five.
