THE POST’S TOP TEN

1. Alabama (9-0) (Last week: 1)

I’m not high on the SEC. Alabama hasn’t played Florida, the second-best team in the conference. But it cannot be overstated how impressive the Crimson Tide have been in this league, outscoring the opposition 443-165 through nine games.

2. Notre Dame (10-0) (2)

The Irish are the cool kids who never want to go to the party, and that one time they do, own it entirely to themselves. The one year they’re in a conference, they win the ACC outright.

3. Clemson (9-1) (3)

The Tigers have outscored Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech 97-27 since the loss to Notre Dame, at least regaining some of their swagger entering the Dec. 19 rematch.

4. Ohio State (5-0) (4)

Down 23 players and its head coach due to COVID-19, the Buckeyes still slaughtered Michigan State, 52-12. They’re going to the playoff. End of story.

5. Florida (8-1) (5)

The SEC East officially belongs to Florida. In two weeks comes the real test: The SEC title game against Alabama, an upset and the Gators will reach the College Football Playoff for the first time.

6. Cincinnati (8-0) (6)

Cincinnati and Tulsa will meet in consecutive weeks, first to close the regular season Saturday and then in the AAC Championship game. If this wasn’t 2020, that would be considered bizarre.

7. Texas A&M (7-1) (7)

The Aggies’ route to the playoff is simple: Win big and root for Alabama and Notre Dame in their respective conference championship games. Texas A&M can get in by winning out and Florida and Clemson each losing again.

8. Indiana (6-1) (8)

The defense, overshadowed all year by superstar quarterback Michael Penix Jr., has risen to the occasion. With Penix out for the season, it has allowed 17 points the past two weeks in grind-it-out wins over Maryland and Wisconsin.

9. Iowa State (8-2) (10)

History in Ames, a first Big 12 Championship game appearance. Whatever Matt Campbell gets this offseason — either as a raise from Iowa State or a new job — he deserves it.

10. Miami (8-1) (NR)

The Hurricanes clearly are the thirdbest team in the ACC and will play in a quality bowl. Considering the mediocrity of the past two seasons, that’s a step in the right direction. Dropped out: BYU (9-1)