Clemson tops final AP Top 25 before Playoffs

Brandon Rink by Staff Writer -

There was no surprise at the top of the final Associated Press Top 25 before the Playoffs with Clemson staying at No. 1.

The Tigers garnered 43 first-place votes ahead of Oklahoma (18), Georgia and Alabama in the top-four. Clemson gained some respect in the poll, as Last week Clemson had 27 first-place votes to Oklahoma's 24.

The all-important Playoff selection show is set for noon (ESPN), where the committee’s No. 4 selection will determine Clemson’s plans for the next month. The Tigers are expected to host that team in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.

Ohio State, a common projection for that final spot, was only seven points off from Alabama's No. 4 ranking in the AP.

Clemson heads to the CFP with wins over three teams currently ranked by the AP: No. 7 Auburn, No. 11 Miami and No. 22 Virginia Tech.

AP Top 25 - 12/3

Record Pts Prv

1. Clemson (43) 12-1 1506 1

2. Oklahoma (18) 12-1 1474 2

3. Georgia 12-1 1409 6

4. Alabama 11-1 1307 5

5. Ohio St. 11-2 1300 8

6. Wisconsin 12-1 1162 3

7. Auburn 10-3 1123 4

8. Southern Cal 11-2 1101 11

9. Penn St. 10-2 1008 9

10. UCF 12-0 983 12

11. Miami 10-2 948 7

12. Washington 10-2 820 13

13. TCU 10-3 816 10

14. Notre Dame 9-3 632 15

15. Stanford 9-4 629 14

16. LSU 9-3 599 17

17. Oklahoma St. 9-3 549 18

18. Michigan St. 9-3 487 19

19. Memphis 10-2 475 16

20. Northwestern 9-3 398 20

21. Washington St. 9-3 342 21

22. Virginia Tech 9-3 323 22

23. South Florida 9-2 115 23

24. Mississippi St. 8-4 103 24

25. Boise St. 10-3 59 -

Others receiving votes: NC State 54, San Diego St. 40, Toledo 25, Louisville 11, FAU 8, Michigan 8, Fresno St. 6, Missouri 3, Troy 1, Kansas St. 1.