The Super 16 rankings: Ohio State rises here too

Rankman is flabbergasted Ohio State somehow pole-vaulted to No. 4 in the final Super 16 ranking, just as it did in the College Football Playoffs final ranking. There was only one way it could happen: a 59-0 win over Wisconsin with the Buckeyes’ third-string quarterback earning game most-valuable-player honors. To ignore what Ohio State did in the Big Ten Conference title game is to ignore an asteroid about to collide with Earth. The Big 12 Conference’s ill-fated decision to name “co-champions” led to “no champions” in the eyes of the selection committee.

1; Alabama 12-1; Nick Saban vs. Urban Meyer is about as sweet as it gets in a Sugar Bowl. (1)

2; Oregon 12-1; It took 14 years but Heisman billboard finally pays off for a Ducks quarterback in New York. (2)

3; Florida State 13-0; “Crabby Bob” says Winston would be No.1 draft pick in 20,000 leagues under the sea. (3)

4; Ohio State 12-1; Wisconsin rout would be considered, against almost any other school, a non-dairy creamer. (7)

5; Baylor 11-1; Art Briles comes out in favor of conference naming “co-Big 12 commissioners.” (4)

6; Texas Christian 11-1; Coach Patterson treated for altitude sickness after taking the high road in playoff snub. (5)

7; Michigan State 10-2; Take solace: Both defeats came against teams above you in this ranking. (9)

8; Mississippi 9-3; First “disappointing season” ever that included wins over Alabama and Mississippi State. (13)

9; Georgia Tech 10-3; Joins only 10 other teams that came up just short against Florida State this season. (10)

10; Mississippi State 10-2; Well-balanced diet: high-protein Egg Bowl followed by Orange Bowl chock-full of vitamin C. (11)

11; Arizona 10-3; Jean maker says Oregon matchup at Levi’s Stadium just wasn’t a Comfort Fit. (6)

12; UCLA 9-3; Fans need bowl win to stamp “10-win Jim” label on underperforming coach. (14)

13: Kansas State 9-3; Corrected Alamo game notes clarify Snyder was not a friend of Davy Crockett’s. (8)

14; Arizona State 9-3; Noise abatement forbids Arizona fans from “tooting their own horns” on drive to Fiesta Bowl. (15)

15: Georgia 9-3; One coach overheard after school earned Belk Bowl bid: “Frankly, Charlotte, I don’t give a …” (NR)

16; Missouri 10-3; Headed back to Columbia to polish that 1969 Big Eight co-championship trophy. (16)

Dropped out: Wisconsin.

Moved in: Georgia.

First four out: Clemson, Boise State, Wisconsin, Louisville.