Alabama found itself in a much better position than most expected when the first College Football Playoff rankings were released on Tuesday night. The Crimson Tide snuck into the top four, ahead of many undefeated teams.

The selection committee revealed its first set of 2015 rankings on ESPN, and Alabama checked in at No. 4. When these rankings debuted last year, Nick Saban's team was outside of the top four at No. 6. That team eventually made it to No. 1 but lost to Ohio State in the semifinals.

This week's top four is currently made up of Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, and Alabama. LSU holds the highest ranking among SEC schools at No. 2, which sets up a pivotal game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. 

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