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The biggest test remaining for top four teams in CFP rankings
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The biggest test remaining for top four teams in CFP rankings

The first rankings were officially released by the College Football Playoff selection committee on Tuesday with Ohio State claiming the top spot, followed by Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama.

Unlike previous editions of the CFP, the top four teams in the final rankings will earn a first-round bye whether they are conference champions or not.

The five highest-ranked conference champions will still make the 12-team field, but a top-four spot is no guarantee depending on how the final month of the regular season plays out.

Here is a look at how the 12-team bracket would look as of now, plus where each of the top four teams' biggest test lies ahead.

No. 1 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten)

Led by current Heisman Trophy favorite Julian Sayin (+150, per FanDuel), the Buckeyes have excelled on defense, allowing the fewest points per game in college football (7.9 PPG). They have been just as explosive on offense with Sayin's third-most TD passes in the country (23) and 16 combined TDs between wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (nine) and Carnell Tate (seven).

A favorable schedule lies ahead for Ohio State, but a trip to "The Big House" to face No. 21 Michigan in the regular-season finale on Nov. 29 will be its biggest test, given it has lost each of its last four to the Wolverines.

No. 2 Indiana (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten)

The Hoosiers have proved that last season was no fluke under head coach Curt Cignetti. Not only does Indiana give up the third-fewest points per game (12.1 PPG), it is arguably even more impressive on offense with the second-most points per game (43.1 PPG).

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has 25 pass TDs to just four interceptions, while running backs Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby each have more than 600 rush yards and WRs Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt have surpassed 600 receiving yards. With games against Penn State (3-5), Wisconsin (2-6) and Purdue (2-7) left, you cannot ask for a more favorable schedule to make a return trip to the CFP.

No. 3 Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0 SEC)

Although head coach Mike Elko's Aggies have been strong in all three phases, their seventh-most points per game (37.8 PPG) show a team that is more than capable of outscoring their opponent in any game. Quarterback Marcel Reed has 1,972 yards passing with 17 TDs and six interceptions, as well as an additional 349 yards and six TDs on the ground.

Unlike its Big Ten counterparts ahead of it, Texas A&M's road to the CFP is not as straightforward, beginning on Saturday with a road trip to take on No. 22 Missouri. If the Aggies pass that test, a rivalry game against No. 11 Texas on Nov. 28 could be one final challenge on their way to a potential date in the SEC Championship game and the CFP.

No. 4 Alabama (7-1, 5-0 SEC)

The Crimson Tide have won seven straight since their surprise Week 1 loss to Florida State. With QB Ty Simpson (2,184 pass yards, 20 TDs) and WR Germie Bernard (526 yards, six TDs) leading the charge, Alabama has four ranked wins to its credit.

Alabama is on a potential collision course with Texas A&M in the SEC championship. A meeting with No. 12 Oklahoma and its ferocious defense on Nov. 15 could present some problems, while a road trip to in-state rival Auburn in the "Iron Bowl" on Nov. 29 could be tricky, but this Alabama team looks up for the task under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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