The initial College Football Playoff rankings of 2023 included several log jams, including one that involved Alabama. The Crimson Tide was ranked No. 8 by the selection committee, with Texas one spot ahead of it, and Oklahoma trailing one spot behind.

The Texas placement made sense, with the Longhorn victory in Tuscaloosa early in the season. But Oklahoma, which carries a 7-1 record like both Alabama and Texas, beat UT and was still No. 9.

After the rankings were revealed, committee chair Boo Horrigan was asked how much Oklahoma’s win over the Longhorns was discussed when creating the rankings.

“A lot of discussion,” Horrigan said. “You go back to we want to get this right as we look at it. A wonderful win by Oklahoma, last-second drive to win this game.

“When you factor in a two-loss Kansas team this past weekend, getting the win over Oklahoma, Kansas with the two losses to Texas and Oklahoma State, while they continue to improve and play better, body of work, if you will, looking at this, Texas over Alabama, winning there in Tuscaloosa, similar to Texas-Oklahoma but then add in the factor that Oklahoma lost that game to Kansas as well as a close game with UCF. But primarily the loss to Kansas.”

Kansas beat Oklahoma 38-33 Saturday in Lawrence. The Jayhawks, who have lost twice, were ranked No. 21 by the committee.

Ohio State topped the first rankings of the year, followers by Georgia, Michigan and Florida State to round out the four playoff spots. Washington and Oregon took the fifth and sixth-place slots.

The second round of rankings will be revealed next Monday. Alabama faces No. 14 LSU this week, while Texas takes on No. 23 Kansas State and Oklahoma visits No. 22 Oklahoma State.