Alabama included in Top 4 in first College Football Playoff rankings

If the season ended tonight … well, Alabama would be happy.

Alabama debuted at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, released Tuesday night.

It didn’t take long for the backlash to find its way to Twitter.

LOL they put Alabama at 4

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 4, 2015

Seriously, it’s the only program in the country that doesn’t get penalized for losing a game. It’s disgraceful.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 4, 2015

Alabama's best win is vs. No. 19. Michigan State's best win is vs. No. 17. So naturally one-loss Bama is three spots ahead of unbeaten MSU.

— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) November 4, 2015

Anyone wonder why I said a 2 loss Alabama plays in the National Championship Playoff. No doubt in my mind. Bama could get there w/2 losses!

— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) November 4, 2015

I can see the future. Final playoffs will be: Bama LSU Florida and… Bama

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 4, 2015

Selection committee chair Jeff Long said Alabama’s quality wins played a key role in the Tide taking the No. 4 spot over several unbeaten teams.

Maybe Alabama is good? I know, crazy idea.

— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) November 4, 2015

Alabama debuted at No. 6 last year and wasn’t included in the selection committee’s top four until claiming the No. 1 spot in the fourth week of the rankings.

Last year, Florida State was the only playoff team that appeared in the top four of the initial rankings. Ohio State, which debuted at No. 16 last year, climbed the farthest.

The top four teams in the final rankings, released at noon Eastern, Dec. 6, will play for the national championship.

Alabama certainly will move up or down next week. It hosts LSU in a showdown Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.