College Football Playoff standings: winners and losers include Oklahoma and Ohio State

In the second College Football Playoff rankings, Ohio State maintained its top spot, fending off a challenge from Georgia, the two-time defending national champion.

Is it now possible for the Buckeyes to remain there until December’s first Saturday?

Despite trailing at the half and almost losing by two possessions early in the third quarter, the Buckeyes defeated Rutgers in a way that usually has an impact on the playoff selection committee. For starters, the Scarlet Knights are a winning team, and second, Rutgers is a Power Five opponent.

However, Georgia’s 30-21 victory over Missouri was more impressive and moved the Bulldogs one game closer to Ohio State. That difference could narrow or vanish completely depending on how Georgia plays No. 9 next. Mississippi State

Ohio State’s strongest suit is their rivalry with third-ranked Michigan. The Buckeyes would return to the top of the rankings with a victory in Ann Arbour, even if Georgia advances over the next two weeks. That is, until the following Saturday, assuming the Bulldogs defeat Alabama in the SEC title game to cap off yet another flawless regular season.

The top teams in Tuesday night’s playoff rankings are the Buckeyes and Bulldogs:

The Buckeyes have a lot of committee support. Not that there’s really a good excuse not to: since running back TreVeyon Henderson returned, Ohio State has redesigned itself with an emphasis on defence and has won six games against teams with a winning record. After losing to Clemson, Notre Dame dropped to No. 20, but the Buckeyes also had a strong pair of victories over Penn State and the Fighting Irish. Although there’s cause to believe Georgia could eventually gain the necessary victories to reclaim the top spot, there’s currently no compelling case to push the Buckeyes back a spot.