The initial College Football Playoff rankings don't matter. That's what Nick Saban wants you to believe.
"I don't think the ranking means anything," he said, per Fox Sports. "All it means is you have created an opportunity and have a chance to finish the season and maybe have an opportunity to play in some other games that are big games.
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"What does it mean? It means nothing. I don't even know why we have it."
Except they do matter, and Clemson opening at No. 1 is the reason why.
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Assuming Clemson defeats Florida State Saturday, the Tigers will have a cakewalk to the ACC title game. Even then, North Carolina will likely be the patsy standing in the way. At 13-0, Clemson would have just two quality wins -- No. 16 Florida State and a narrow victory over No. 5 Notre Dame in a hurricane.
There will be no justification for dropping the Tigers from the No. 1 spot.
There will also be no justification for dropping Ohio State, Notre Dame and either LSU or Alabama from the College Football Playoff, either. Assuming of course, three of the four programs run the table.
Where does that leave Baylor and TCU?
Much has been said about the two's strength of schedule, but battles with Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and a head-to-head are on the horizon.
Should one escape unscathed, are three quality victories not worthy of a top-four finish?
Surely, either's resume would surpass Clemson's, but with the Tigers opening at No. 1, all they would be punished for is winning.
So no, Saban, the College Football Playoff rankings do matter. Unless you're Alabama and you know the selection committee will protect you and the SEC.
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