Alabama and LSU will play in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 9. However, the first College Football Playoff rankings come out on Nov. 5.

The Tide and the Tigers will likely be No. 1 and No. 2 in those rankings in some order (unless Auburn pulls off the upset in Baton Rouge today). But, who should be No. 1?

ESPN College GameDay analysts David Pollack and Desmond Howard are both siding with LSU as the No. 1 team if they beat Auburn:

“They should be No. 1 (if LSU beats Auburn),” Pollack said about LSU. “Again, if the committee is going to reward out of conference, at Texas is a tough thing to do. Who’s had more quality wins than LSU? They should be No. 1 unless the committee sees something way better. Ohio State’s dominance we’ve seen with our eyes, but resume-wise they (LSU) should be No. 1. With Joe Burrow at quarterback, LSU is good enough to win the SEC and national title, period.

“We all look at LSU at this point, and I think they are the story in college football. From where they were to who they are now and what Joe Burrow has done with this offense. But they still have to go to Tuscaloosa. If LSU beats Auburn, Alabama is going to feed off of the ‘poor old Alabama’ comments (about LSU hype).”

“How could they not be (No. 1)?” Desmond Howard asks. “They have more quality wins. I still like Ohio State, because their defense is playing better than LSU’s defense, but quality wins and strength of schedule, I would say LSU without a doubt.”

Of course, LSU still has to get through Auburn this afternoon (and Alabama has to beat Arkansas without QB Tua Tagovailoa), but if they both win, the debate will rage ahead of the first Playoff rankings.