After several weeks of speculation, the College Football Playoff Committee announced their first set of rankings for the 2015 season, and Clemson is number 1. It is the first time the Tigers have been ranked #1 since 1981. Rounding out the top 4 is LSU at #2, Ohio State at #3, and Alabama at #4 with Memphis being the highest ranked Group of 5 school coming in at 13. Clemson would face Alabama in the Orange Bowl while LSU and Ohio State would face off in the Cotton Bowl.
Clemson's ranking brings an added level of scrutiny to this weekend's game against Florida State, a game that could secure the ACC Atlantic Division for Clemson and provide another step towards a playoff berth.