COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State is in much better shape than a year ago.
The Buckeyes were No. 3 in the first rankings from the College Football Playoff selection committee unveiled on Tuesday night. A year ago, the Buckeyes were No. 16 in the first rankings before starting a steady climb that lifted them to No. 4 in the final rankings, which gave them the chance to win the National Championship.
Clemson was No. 1 and LSU No. 2 ahead of the Buckeyes, with Alabama also in the playoff at No. 4. No. 5 Notre Dame and No.