Archie Manning takes leave of absence from college playoff committee

And then there were 12.

College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock announced Monday that Archie Manning will take a leave of absence from the 13-person selection committee to deal with a health issue.

He is expected to return in 2015.

Manning, the former All-American quarterback at Mississippi, needs more surgery to relieve discomfort related to recent knee replacement surgery.

He said he was unable to travel to the weekly selection committee meetings in Dallas, which begin next weekend.

“It is an honor to serve on this committee, and I enjoy the group and was looking forward to the opportunity ahead, “ Manning said in a statement. “My health had to be my primary concern and I intend to be up and about as soon as possible.”

Manning might not miss much this year with his alma mater so highly rated in the polls. He would have been required to leave the room whenever the Rebels were discussed for a playoff spot.

The committee will move forward with 12 members this year. It will release its first top-25 list on Oct. 28 and five more rankings on Tuesdays before Selection Sunday on Dec. 7.

The committee will choose four schools to compete in a four-team playoff and also place teams in other selected major bowls.