Sports

Michigan up to 4th in CFP behind Alabama, Clemson, ND

07 of November 2018

Michigan defensive back Brandon Watson (28) celebrates with defensive lineman Kwity Paye, right, after returning an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Michigan won 42-7. (AP Photo/Tony Ding),Michigan defensive back Brandon Watson (28) celebrates with defensive lineman Kwity Paye, right, after returning an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Michigan won 42-7. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

Michigan moved into the fourth spot of the College Football Playoff rankings, behind Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame.

Georgia was next at five, followed by Oklahoma.

The playoff picture cleared up after a weekend where several contenders asserted themselves. The top-four teams in the final rankings on Dec. 2 will play in the national semifinals.

The Crimson Tide easily dispatched LSU from the top four, beating the Tigers 29-0. LSU, though, only dropped to No. 7 after its second loss, ahead of Washington State, West Virginia and Ohio State — all with only one loss.

Unbeaten Notre Dame moved up one spot to No. 3 and Michigan jumped a spot after a 42-7 victory against Penn State.

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Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://www.podcastone.com/AP-Top-25-College-Football-Podcast

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More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25