Michigan State moved up two spots to No. 3 behind Clemson and Alabama in The Associated Press college football poll Sunday.
The last regular-season rankings were released before the College Football Playoff selection committee revealed the field for the national semifinals.
No. 1 Clemson received 59 first-place votes, No. 2 Alabama got nine, and Michigan State one from media panel.
The Spartans, who were No. 2 early in the season, edged up after beating Iowa 16-13 in the Big Ten championship game.
Oklahoma slipped one spot to No. 4. Stanford moved up two spots to No.