The first of six College Football Playoff rankings won't be released until Halloween, but the jockeying for a coveted semifinal spot begins in September.
"They're highly motivated because of that opener against Florida State," LSU coach Brian Kelly said of his players.
The CFP selection committee bases its weekly rankings on the entire season to-date, meaning the value of wins can increase or decrease as the season progresses and teams reveal their true identities. A September win could ultimately translate into much more if that opponent goes on to win its conference title -- or it can be rendered moot in the committee meeting room if the opponent goes on a downward spiral out of the ranking.