Of course rivalry week was always going to shake up the college football rankings and the College Football Playoff picture. We might not have realized just how

Notre Dame climbs to No. 5 in the CFP rankings. Could a loss to USC still leave the Irish with a path to the playoff?

Nov 23, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Jacolby George (3) scores a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The fourth edition of the College Football Playoff Rankings were released Tuesday night with undefeated Oregon maintaining its spot at No. 1 as has been the case in every set of rankings during this initial year of the expanded 12-team field.

Notre Dame’s could push them past Penn State in the next CFP rankings. Here’s why the Irish might deserve the edge.