The first set of rankings from the College Football Playoff committee are out and Michigan State is on the outside looking in, checking in at No. 7.
The Spartans (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) are coming off a bye week and play at Nebraska on Saturday night. Their season likely comes down to the Nov. 21 meeting with Ohio State in Columbus.
Michigan State's biggest wins are on the road against Michigan and at home against Oregon.
The top four teams are: 1. Clemson, 2. LSU, 3. Ohio State 4. Alabama. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams qualify for the College Football Playoff.