Clemson’s Tigers are the reigning national champions and winners of 24 games in a row.
The nine wins so far this season are being scrutinized though among the national picture and the College Football Playoff Committee weighed with a semi-shocking judgment that they aren’t a top-four team right now.
Clemson ranked No. 5 in the first CFP committee rankings on Tuesday, behind Ohio State, LSU, Alabama and Penn State.
Committee chair and Oregon athletic director Rob Mullen says there was a good debate over No. 4 Penn State versus No. 5 Clemson. Penn State’s resume was valued more.