If the season ended right now, Alabama would be in and the Big 12 wouldn't.
It's still the first drop of the College Football Poll, and a lot will change between now and December. But the Big 12 offices may still be in a panic as the initial poll has two SEC teams and none from the Big 12.
Clemson took the top spot, largely due to the strength of their schedule and helped along by being Notre Dame's only defeat. LSU, also possessing a strong schedule so far, checks in as the other "home" semifinal squad.