For playoff contenders, starting third has been bad news
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)If the five-year history of the College Football Playoff has taught us anything it is this: Don't start off third in the initial rankings. LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson and Penn State are all expected to be in the mix for those precious top four slots. Over the last five years, 11 of the 20 teams to appear in the top four of the committee's initial rankings went on to reach the playoff. In 2014, just one of the initial first four advanced to the playoff: second-place Florida State. Like last year, days after the first playoff rankings are released, the Tigers and Crimson Tide will play.
Auburn football vs. Kent State: Time, TV schedule, game preview, score
9 Tigers host Kent State on homecoming weekend. ABOUT KENT STATE (1-1)Junior quarterback Dustin Crum was a surprise starter last week over junior Woody Barrett, who began his collegiate career at Auburn before transferring to Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi and Kent State. The Tigers are last in the country by allowing 35.8 yards per punt return but Kent State has totaled only 26 yards on six chances. Auburn is 7-0 against the MAC - it beat Ball State 54-30 in its last such encounter in 2009 - but has never faced Kent State. PREDICTION: Auburn 45, Kent State 10More college football scores