Oklahoma ahead of Buckeyes in rankings, eyes playoff spot

Oklahoma is on the doorstep of the College Football Playoff.

The Sooners were No. 5 in the pivotal second-to-last playoff rankings released Tuesday, ahead of Ohio State heading into championship weekend when the final four will be set.

The biggest question facing the selection committee this week was how much to value Ohio State’s 62-39 blowout of Michigan on Saturday. The answer: The Buckeyes moved up four spots but were still stuck behind the Sooners.

The top three teams in the selection committee’s rankings held steady for a fourth straight week. Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame — all unbeaten — are Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Georgia moved into the fourth spot that was previously occupied by Michigan, but would presumably move down if it loses to Alabama in the SEC championship game Saturday, leaving an opening for Oklahoma or Ohio State if they win their conference title games.

Central Florida: The family of Central Florida quarterback Mckenzie Milton said he has nerve damage in his right leg, but

“blood flow has been restored” and he is recovering from an injury suffered Friday. He will have reconstructive knee surgery at an undetermined date.

North Carolina: Mack Brown was officially rehired as the Tar Heels’ coach. The 67-year-old, who coached North Carolina from 1988-97 before spending 16 seasons at Texas, including winning the 2005 national championship, reached a five-year deal that will pay him $3.5 million annually.

Southern California: Offensive coordinator Tee Martin, defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze and defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford will not be retained by coach Clay Helton after the Trojans’ first losing season in 18 years.

Western Kentucky: Tennessee offensive coordinator Tyson Helton was hired as the Hilltoppers’ new coach. Helton, 41, was Western Kentucky’s offensive coordinator in 2014 and ‘15. He received a four-year contract with an annual base salary of $800,000 plus incentives.