Florida drops in playoff rankings after loss to LSU

Florida’s stunning loss to LSU last Saturday only dropped the Gators one spot in the latest College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday evening.

UF (8-2) landed at No. 7 in this week’s poll, suggesting it will be difficult for the team to earn a spot in the four-team semifinals even with the win over Alabama (10-0) in the SEC Championship Game Saturday.

“The committee these last two days spent a great deal of time talking about the grouping of Iowa State, Florida, Georgia and Cincinnati,” said Playoff chairman Gary Barta. “Iowa State and Cincinnati were idle so a lot of conversation about Florida and Georgia. I can tell you it was back-and-forth.

“A tough loss for Florida and we did note that Kyle Pitts was out and the committee recognizes when a player is unavailable.”

The decision to only drop the Gators one spot came down to the head-to-head matchup against an improved Georgia team according to Barta.

The top five spots remained unchanged, with the Crimson Tide atop the rankings for the fourth straight week. Notre Dame (10-0) and Clemson (9-1), who will meet in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday, were second and third, followed by Ohio State (5-0) in the No. 4 spot.

Texas A&M (7-1) continued to hold the No. 5 spot, with the Aggies set to face Tennessee Saturday.

Florida’s loss was Iowa State’s gain as the Cyclones (8-2) moved up to No. 6, just ahead of the Gators.

For the second consecutive week, Cincinnati (8-0) dropped a spot to No. 9. The Bearcats can wrap up an undefeated season and the Group of 5 spot in the New Year’s Six Access Bowl with a win over Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference title game.

This is the fourth of five weekly rankings released by the 13-member selection committee, with the final standings revealed on Sunday. Those rankings will determine the four semifinalists along with the teams taking part in the New Year’s Six bowl games.

The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is slated for Monday, Jan. 11, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The selection committee is comprised of chairman Gary Barta, Paula Boivin, Tom Burman, Joe Castiglione, Rick George, Ken Hatfield, Ronnie Lott, Terry Mohajir, Ray Odierno, R.C. Slocum, Todd Stansbury, Scott Stricklin and John Urschel.

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Playoff ranking

1. Alabama (10-0)

2. Notre Dame (10-0)

3. Clemson (9-1)

4. Ohio State (5-0)

5. Texas A&M (7-1)

6. Iowa State (8-2)

7. Florida (8-2)

8. Georgia (7-2)

9. Cincinnati (8-0)

10. Oklahoma (7-2)