COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michigan State made our mock playoff in the first two fields our 13-member committee put together this season, riding the strength of a week two nonconference win over Oregon.
Then the Spartans faded. Now, they're fighting their way back.
After beating Ohio State on Saturday, whether the 10-1 Spartans deserve to move into the top four is the burning question for the real College Football Playoff selection committee rankings to be released Tuesday night. With our group, the Spartans fell just short.
Michigan State is No. 5 with our panel, one point behind fourth-place Iowa, though the Spartans will get their chance to take that Big Ten playoff spot if they keep winning.