On Sunday, December 5th the College Football Playoff Committee released their final rankings for the 2021-22 season. After a long season that saw multiple Top-25 teams lose, the cases on who would make the playoffs were as much up to debate as they had ever been. 

Ultimately, Alabama earned the number one spot after their rather dominating victory over Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Although they suffered a defeat to Texas A and M earlier in the season, the Committee believed that the way they beat Georgia was enough to move them up to number one.

Michigan slots in at number two. This is the first time the Wolverines have made the College Football Playoffs. Michigan’s win over Ohio State and their Big Ten Championship win over Iowa kept them at the number two spot.

Georgia ends up at number three. Some may say this is a bit of a disappointment for the Bulldogs who were ranked at the top sport for most of the season. Ultimately the loss to Alabama was enough to bring Georgia down to three.

And finally there is Cincinnati at number 4. The Bearcats are the first non Power-Five team to make the College Football Playoffs since its inception in 2014. Cincinnati finished the year a perfect 13-0 and won the American Athletic Conference. 

“The committee, again, had a strong consensus that Cincinnati comes in at number four,” said College Football Playoff Committee Chairman Gary Barta. 

Alabama and Cincinnati will face off in the Cotton Bowl at 3:30 pm on December 31st.

Michigan and Georgia will play in the Orange Bowl AT 7:30 pm on December 31st.

The National Championship will be played on January 10th at 8 pm.