Top 10 games the CFP committee will be watching closely

— -- The first ranking from the College Football Playoff selection committee isn't until Nov. 3, but the 13 people tasked with choosing the top four teams will begin their evaluations with the opening kickoff. Some games, of course, will have greater playoff implications than others. Based on what we know now, here's a look at 10 games that will matter to the committee and why:

Auburn vs. Louisville (Sept. 5): With the exception of this game, Auburn's nonconference schedule is atrocious. Matchups against Jacksonville State, San Jose State and Idaho will do nothing for the Tigers' playoff résumé, which is why a win over a respectable ACC team could help separate Auburn down the stretch in what will be a very tight SEC West race. The head-to-head against Alabama will be the deciding factor, but each program has one marquee nonconference game on its schedule.

Oregon at Michigan State (Sept. 12): This one could come back to haunt either team if it doesn't go on to win its respective conference championship game. The Spartans' loss to Oregon last season deflated their playoff hopes early but didn't eliminate them entirely. The loser of this game likely would have to win its league championship to overcome this loss. Michigan State learned last season it can't afford to lose to Oregon and Ohio State.

Notre Dame at Clemson (Oct. 3): Clemson has three games that will decide its place in the playoff, and this is one of them, along with facing Florida State and South Carolina. The Tigers probably can't afford to go 1-2 against those teams and finish in the top four -- even if they win the ACC title. What if Notre Dame and Clemson both finish with one loss, but Clemson is ACC champ? Head-to-head should be the tiebreaker.