The fifth College Football Playoff rankings are out

Some teams are still within striking distance.

What many learned on Saturday was that some things may not be as they appear.

The final regular-season week of college football brought surprises, such as Michigan football routing Ohio State in Columbus, LSU losing to Texas A&M and Clemson losing to South Carolina. While the latter games had some consequence given that the two Tigers teams could have backed into the College Football Playoff with championship game wins on Saturday, only the Wolverines’ win over the Buckeyes had direct implications on the field of four as it stands.

With the fifth and penultimate College Football Playoff rankings coming out five days before the final standings come out, setting the actual scene for both the playoff and bowl season, it’s clear who’s in for sure, while a few remain in striking distance should some in the top four lose.

Here are the latest rankings.