Miami, at 8-0, is followed by Georgia at 7-1, Utah at 8-0, Indiana at 8-1 and Alabama at 6-2, the release shows. It is Miami's first time at No. 1, the release says.

Indiana's 8-1 record in the release matches ESPN's team schedule. The Hoosiers' only loss came against Ohio State, 19-15, on October 17, the ESPN schedule shows.

The rankings count games played through Saturday, October 31. The committee says it judges a team's full body of work, not any single number.

Notre Dame, at 7-1, is No. 11. “But when you look at Notre Dame's schedule, they don't have that signature win right now,” committee chair Hunter Yurachek said, according to CBS Sports. On3 notes that Notre Dame was No. 4 in the AP Top 25 this week. Its one loss came at BYU, On3 reports.

Tennessee beat Alabama 26-10 last month but is ranked eight spots lower. Yurachek said the two teams were never in the same “pod,” so the result has not yet factored into the rankings, CBS Sports reports. The release says a head-to-head result carries added weight when teams look comparable.

Critics see it another way. CBS Sports called Alabama, the top-ranked team with two losses, “the biggest surprise.” CBS also asked whether the committee would “give the Fighting Irish a pass” if they lose to Miami.

Miami plays at Notre Dame on Saturday, On3 reports. CBS Sports says Miami has only one game left against a ranked team.

The next rankings come out on Tuesday, November 10, the release says.

What we know: Miami, Georgia, Utah, Indiana and Alabama make up the first top five.
What we don't: How Saturday's game between Miami and Notre Dame will change the order.