Northwestern came in at No. 21 in the inaugural College Football Playoff Rankings for this season. The top four teams in these rankings at the end of the season earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
At 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, Northwestern's wins over Stanford (ranked No. 11) and Duke paid major dividends, according to the selection committee.
As for the rest of the Big Ten, Michigan came in at No. 17, Iowa was at No. 9 and Michigan State slotted in at No. 7. Ohio State was listed as the No.