Oregon remained atop the rankings, followed by Texas, Penn State and Notre Dame. The intrigue Tuesday evening came in the double digits, where Alabama climbed two spots, to No. 11, and Miami dropped six places, to No. 12 — meaning the Crimson Tide would make the CFP field, and the Hurricanes would not, if form holds through championship weekend.

With conference title games on tap, the final field is starting to come into focus. And the committee shows it still favors the three-loss Crimson Tide in the final 12.

The picture is getting a little clearer for the first edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Tuesday's rankings reveal placed Alabama (9-3) at No.