The first College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled on Nov. 5 and had Ohio State as the No. 1 team in the country, ahead of No. 2 LSU.

On Tuesday, Week 13’s rankings saw the Buckeyes return to that No. 1 spot, displacing LSU, who had been slotted there in the 2 previous weeks. Although LSU’s win over Arkansas was more statistically dominant than Ohio State’s win over Penn State, the committee judged that the Buckeyes belonged in the top spot.

CFP committee chair Rob Mullens made his weekly appearance on ESPN’s “College Football Playoff Top 25” program to explain the group’s decision, including why the Buckeyes were ranked as No. 1 ahead of the Tigers.

“Well, Ohio State has been a complete team, and that win over Penn State was their third win currently teams that we have in the top 19,” Mullens explained. “It’s probably that complete team piece. Ohio State’s been really good on both sides of the ball.”

When asked by Rece Davis whether Ohio State’s defense played a part, Mullens agreed.

“I think you nailed it. It was the defensive piece. They’re both very good on the offensive side, and this week the committee felt that that win over Penn State solidified that Ohio State is a little bit better on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Tigers could certainly have a chance to get back to the No. 1 spot with Texas A&M and No. 4 Georgia in the SEC Championship looming, but it might depend on their overall performance and not just if they win, but how they win.