Re: First Playoff Poll Released (predictions - first 5 pages; analysis - page 6 -...
In Weeks 12 and 15 last year, Florida State dropped a spot in the poll after winning a game. They started the poll at #2 behind Mississippi State and ended up at #3.
In Week 16, TCU dropped from #3 to #6 after beating Iowa State.
If Alabama wins out, it still needs Ole Miss to lose another game to make sure it doesn't have what happened to TCU last year happen.
Alabama could sit at home while these games happen during Week 14 if Ole Miss doesn't lose:
B1G Championship: Ohio State/Michigan State against Iowa (possibly two undefeated teams, which means winner's resume gets tougher)
ACC Championship: Clemson (possibly undefeated) against possible 1-loss UNC
SEC Championship: 2-loss Ole Miss against 1-loss Florida (winner moves up with win against ranked opponent)
Pac-12 Championship: Stanford against Utah (again, winner moves up with win against ranked opponent, especially if both only have 1 loss)
Baylor - Texas (nothing of real significance unless UT goes on winning streak)
All four championship games can solidify spots or bolster a team up the rankings based on what the committee did last year.