The Big Ten continued to dominate the top of the latest College Football Playoff rankings, with Ohio State in position to earn a semifinal bid despite not playing in the league title game.

Teams have one more weekend to win over the selection committee as they compete for spots in the semifinals and elite New Year’s Six bowl games.

Alabama (12-0) remained at the top of the rankings for the fifth consecutive week, and Ohio State (11-1) was right behind. The Buckeyes are coming off an impressive 30-27 double-overtime win over Michigan.

Clemson (11-1) and Washington (11-1) rounded out the top fours, with the Tigers and Huskies set to play in the ACC and Pac-12 championship games, respectively, this weekend.

Michigan (10-2) dropped two spots to No. 5 just ahead of Big Ten counterpart Wisconsin (10-2) at No. 6. The Badgers will face No. 7 Penn State (10-2) in the Big Ten title game Saturday.

If Penn State wins the Big Ten championship, it seems unlikely the Nittany Lions will oust Ohio State from the No. 2 spot.

“They are not close in the eyes of the committee,” Playoff selection committee chair Kirby Hocutt said on ESPN when asked to compare No. 2 Ohio State and No. 7 Penn State.

Hocutt went on to say the gap between No. 4 and No. 5 is tight.

“I would say the separation at Washington at No. 4 and Michigan at No. 5 is extremely small,” he said. “We’ve said there is a lot to like about Washington over the course of this year … but the strength of schedule has been a concern and continues to be a concern for us.”

MICHIGAN STATE: Defensive back Demetrious Cox was cited for misdemeanor assault.

CLEMSON: Coach Dabo Swinney is upset that alleged racial slurs by his players took the focus off his team’s 56-7 victory over South Carolina.

Swinney said he talked with his players and they called the allegation “absolutely false.”

Some South Carolina players said the Tigers used the slurs in a scuffle during warmups Saturday night.

Copy the Story Link