Dec 07, 2015 11:22 AM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Last year's inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) was a massive success, and to amp up the drama ahead of this year's tournament the selection committee subtly ranked Michigan State ahead of Oklahoma.

ESPN's Jemele Hill posed the idea of Michigan State being ranked third overall, ahead of Oklahoma, on Twitter shortly after the Spartans won the Big Ten Championship Saturday night. Then on Sunday, the CFP selection committee did just that. Here's (probably) why they did it. And (surprise), it revolves around Alabama.

1. They could

Michigan State beat an undefeated Iowa team in what was the most compelling conference championship game this year, which gave the committee a valid reason to rank them third overall.

As AL.com pointed out, Michigan State and Oklahoma have nearly identical resumes this year, though the former has a slight edge.

2. To avoid giving Oklahoma a home field advantage against Alabama

Alabama doesn't have many fans in Dallas, where the CFP semifinal Cotton Bowl will be played. Oklahoma doesn't either, but their fans are just one state over whereas Alabama's fans face a much longer trip.

As Hill pointed out, Alabama head coach Nick Saban would have been furious.

3. To get the Michigan State vs. Alabama matchup

Matching up these two teams pits Michigan State against its former head football coach. Yes, Sparty Nation is more than happy with their current coach, Mark Dantonio, but don't think they wouldn't love to beat Saban, who left Michigan State to coach at LSU and then eventually Alabama.

4. To get a potential Alabama vs. Oklahoma National Championship matchup

According to ESPN, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook favors Alabama and Oklahoma to win their semifinal matchups. If that happens, it sets up a 2014 Sugar Bowl rematch.

Amid his illustrious career at Alabama, Saban is coming off two consecutive Sugar Bowl losses. Last year, his Tide lost to the eventual champion Ohio State Buckeyes. The year before, they lost to Oklahoma after Chris Davis' Iron Bowl kick-six knocked them out of the SEC Championship and BCS National Championship Game.

5. Down with the SEC!!

All those voices shouting about how the SEC is no longer the best football conference in the nation would get a lot louder if Alabama failed in two straight CFP trips. On the other hand, Alabama could further establish its dynasty with another national title, and a win for the Tide is a win for the SEC.

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