CBS Sports predicts penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings

There’s sure to be plenty of intrigue for the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings, which come out Tuesday night. All eyes will be on the No. 5 spot ahead of conference championship weekend, and CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm logged his prediction for the Top 25.

After falling to Michigan at The Horseshoe last week, Ohio State is projected to come in at No. 5, according to CBS Sports, while Alabama clocks in at No. 6. That spot could be pivotal with championship games coming up this week if an upset occurs.

Here are CBS Sports’ full projections for Tuesday night’s rankings.

1. Georgia
2. Michigan
3. TCU
4. USC
5. Ohio State
6. Alabama
7. Tennessee
8. Penn State
9. LSU
10. Clemson
11. Kansas State
12. Washington
13. Oregon
14. Utah
15. Florida State
16. UCLA
17. Oregon State
18. Tulane
19. Notre Dame
20. Texas
21. UCF
22. North Carolina
23. Mississippi State
24. South Carolina
25. NC State

Ohio State’s matchup with Michigan had a playoff-like feel to it, and there was plenty at stake. Not only did the Wolverines seal a spot in the Big Ten Championship against Purdue, but they also virtually locked up a spot in the CFB with the 45-23 victory. As for the Buckeyes, they now need help to make the four-team field after getting outscored 28-3 in the second half.

One of the wild cards heading into Tuesday night is Alabama. The Crimson Tide have two losses — to Tennessee and Ole Miss — as they try to become the first two-loss team to make the CFP. It might not be easy, though, and their position in Tuesday’s rankings could be a big indication of what needs to happen if Nick Saban and Co. want to make it back to the playoff.

The penultimate CFP rankings will be announced Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. After the conference championships this weekend, the final Top 25 will be unveiled Sunday, Dec. 4, at noon ET.