Imagine being a Clemson player when the College Football Playoff committee announced its first rankings of the season on Tuesday night. The Tigers are the defending national champions. They have won 24 consecutive games — including the last four by at least 31 points. They received seven first-place votes in the most recent Associated Press poll.

And yet when the playoff rankings were revealed, they were in fifth place.

Behind Ohio State, which might be the best team in the country by the eye test.

Behind L.S.U., which might have three of the hardest-earned wins of the season — at Texas, and at home against Auburn and Florida.

Behind Alabama, which has a modest résumé at the moment (without a signature win) but a long track record.