The 2017 final college football rankings captured a dramatic season defined by upsets, conference championship games, and high-stakes playoff drama. This overview highlights how the final AP Poll and CFP rankings reflected the competitive intensity of late-season matchups and bowl results.
Below is a quick reference table summarizing the most authoritative final rankings sources for the 2017 season, including each poll’s national champion and notable moves at the top.
| Ranking Source | National Champion | Runner-Up | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP Poll | Georgia | Alabama | Georgia claimed the top spot after a close National Championship Game finish |
| Coaches Poll | Georgia | Alabama | Coaches selected Georgia, emphasizing conference championship performance |
| CFP Rankings (Final) | Georgia | Alabama | CFP bracket set the stage for the National Championship matchup |
| USA Today Final Poll | Georgia | Alabama | USA Today highlighted Georgia’s momentum entering the postseason |
2017 Regular Season Standings Impact
The 2017 regular season produced major movement in all major polls, with several programs rising or falling based on conference title wins and late collapses. SEC and Big Ten champions often dictated the top tier in both the AP and Coaches Polls.
Postseason Bowl Outcomes and Ranking Shifts
Key bowl games in December 2017 reshaped the narrative surrounding many teams, with upsets and convincing wins altering perceptions ahead of the playoff selections. The CFP selection committee closely watched these results when finalizing the national championship field.
College Football Playoff Final Rankings
The final CFP rankings determined the matchups for the national semifinals and ultimately the College Football Playoff National Championship. Georgia’s rise in the closing weeks positioned them as the consensus No. 1 heading into the title game.
Defining the 2017 Final AP Poll
The final AP Poll in 2017 crowned Georgia as the consensus national champion after voters rewarded their performance in high-profile conference games and clutch postseason results. This poll served as a benchmark for evaluating the season’s success across media markets.
Final Takeaways on 2017 Rankings
- Georgia earned consensus No. 1 status in the final 2017 rankings across major polls.
- The SEC Championship Game and National Championship Game were pivotal in determining top spots.
- Late-season upsets and conference title wins drove significant movement in the final weeks.
- Both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll reflected similar narratives around Georgia and Alabama.
- Understanding these rankings helps contextualize team performance and playoff consequences.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Georgia finish first in most 2017 final rankings?
Georgia finished first because they won the SEC Championship convincingly and closed the season with a strong performance in the National Championship Game, earning top spots in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.
How did Alabama’s ranking change in the final 2017 polls?
Alabama remained No. 2 in most final rankings after reaching the National Championship Game, with voters acknowledging their dominant playoff run while noting the narrow loss to Georgia.
Did any major programs drop significantly in the 2017 final rankings?
Yes, several programs that had been highly ranked throughout the season fell in the final polls due to late-season losses, including conference championship defeats and upsets in marquee bowl matchups. The CFP selection committee influenced seeding and national perception by evaluating wins, strength of schedule, and postseason performance, which aligned closely with the final AP and Coaches Polls.