CFP Debuts: Miami Sits at No. 1, Indiana Holds Top Spot Despite Loss
The Hurricanes lead a field that includes Georgia, Utah, Indiana, and Alabama in the first 12-team bracket release of the season.
By Scott Marshall ·
The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings on Tuesday night, placing the Miami Hurricanes at No. 1.
The top five spots were filled by Miami, Georgia, Utah, Indiana, and Alabama. Kentucky, Texas, UCLA, BYU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Ohio State completed the initial 12-team bracket. Boise State holds the No. 25 ranking and serves as the highest-seeded Group of Six team.
Hunter Yurachek, the committee chair, described the season as featuring "unbelievable parity through the first eight weeks." He predicted substantial movement in the top 25 rankings before the final decision.
The committee placed Indiana in the top four despite a 19-15 loss to Ohio State on Oct. 17. The Hoosiers have won their last three games by seven points or less, including overtime victories over Michigan and Minnesota. They have not defeated a currently ranked team.
Alabama secured a top-five spot after losing consecutive games to Georgia and Tennessee in October. Yurachek noted that the Crimson Tide received credit for a head-to-head victory over Kentucky and a 56-23 win at Mississippi State on Oct. 3. That game occurred before star quarterback Kamario Taylor's injury.
Tennessee is ranked 13th, eight spots below Alabama. The Vols defeated the Crimson Tide 26-10 on Oct. 17, but Yurachek said they lack the same level of quality wins compared to Alabama. Other ranked teams include LSU, Texas Tech, Wake Forest, Houston, Missouri, Iowa, and USC in the 13th to 20th positions.
Ohio State dropped to the final seed after losing 30-18 to USC. The Buckeyes played their first game without injured quarterback Julian Sayin, with freshman Luke Fahey throwing for 260 yards. The defense allowed more points than in its previous 31 games combined. Yurachek stated the committee still respects the team but noted they "didn't look like the same Ohio State team this past weekend."
Miami's defense allowed 850 yards in its last two games and is ranked 122nd in the FBS in pass defense. The Hurricanes need an onside kick recovery to secure their last victory against North Carolina. They host Notre Dame on Saturday. If Miami wins, it faces home games against Duke, Virginia Tech, and Boston College to reach the ACC championship. The final CFP rankings will be announced on Dec. 6.
