Clemson ranked in the top four of the initial College Football Playoff rankings

The Playoff Committee released the initial rankings of the College Football Playoff Rankings tonight and Clemson was ranked #4. Two years ago Clemson was ranked #1 in the initial poll. Last season, the Tigers checked in at #2 in the initial release. 

Clemson is 7-1 so far this year with wins over six teams with winning records, the most in the nation.  Those six teams (Auburn, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech) are also ranked in the top 40 of many of the latest computer rankings.

Clemson has been in the top four for 13 consecutive releases, which is second only to Alabama at 16 straight releases.

Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State are the only three teams to appear in all 20 sets of rankings released by the committee in the playoff era.

Kirby Hocutt, who chairs the committee said that Kelly Bryant's injury at Syracuse was a factor in the decision when Clemson was evaluated. Hocutt also said that Clemson's resume was another reason that the Tigers were ranked fourth.

Listen: Swanny's instant reaction to the release of the top four.

Clemson has two victories over teams ranked in the top 15 of the first College Football Playoff Poll, wins over Virginia Tech and Auburn, who are 13th and 14th, respectively.  Clemson and Iowa State are the only teams to defeat two top 15 teams in the College Football Playoff Poll so far this season.

College Football Playoff Rankings

#1 Georgia (8-0) vs  #4 Clemson (7-1)

#2 Alabama (8-0) vs #3 Notre Dame (7-1)

Outside looking in:

#5 Oklahoma (7-1)

#6 Ohio State (7-1)

#7 Penn State (7-1)

#8 TCU (7-1)

#9 Wisconsin (8-0)

#10 Miami (7-0)

#11 Oklahoma State (7-1)

#12 Washington (7-1)

#13. Virginia Tech (7-1) 

#14 Auburn (6-2)

#15 Iowa State (6-2)

#16 Mississippi State (6-2)

#17 Southern California (7-2)

#18 UCF (7-2)

#19 LSU (6-2)

#20 NC State (6-2)

#21 Stanford (6-2)

#22 Arizona (6-2)

#23 Memphis (7-1)

#24  Michigan State (6-2)

#25  Washington State (7-2)