Alabama's win over Mississippi State was enough for the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee to raise them to the top spot, leapfrogging Florida State and Oregon.

Alabama's matchup with Mississippi State may have been the most important SEC matchup this season, prompting CBS to air it instead of the impending Iron Bowl. Alabama now sits atop the SEC West, which may or may not get a CFP team whether they take the conference title or not.

As selection committee chairman Jeff Long noted, there are still many tough decisions to come.

"It's been an exciting year so far and we're not done with the excitement yet. The discussions the 12 members have each week is detailed and thorough," he said in a press release. "Even though we don't yet know who the conference champions are - and that is a factor we will weigh in December - this committee has been clear that quality of wins and strength of schedule are important factors."

Oregon and Florida State remained in place at second and third, respectively, even though the AP restored the latter to the top their rankings. Based on their remaining schedules, both teams are favored to win out, but both may have to win their conference title to make the CFP.

TCU won a close game against Kansas, but fell one spot from fourth to fifth, as Mississippi State dropped to their former spot. For TCU, it will be imperative to finish on top of the Big 12 since the conference does not have a title game. With one loss each and a meeting on Dec. 6, Baylor and Kansas State will also make a run at the conference title.

Also on the outside looking in is Ohio State, who are now ranked sixth, but favored to win the Big Ten since their road win against Michigan State. If any team ahead of them slips up, Ohio State will likely swoop into the CFP.

Related