Michigan State has some work to do.

That was the opinion of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, which slotted the Spartans at No. 7 in the first poll of the season.

The Spartans were the second-highest ranked B1G team in the College Football Playoff poll behind No. 3 Ohio State but they were ahead of No. 9 Iowa, No. 17 Michigan and No. 21 Northwestern.

It’s a better starting point for Michigan State than the No. 8 spot it earned in last year’s first poll. At the time, MSU was the highest ranked B1G team but that was before its showdown with Ohio State.

This year’s showdown with Ohio State on Nov. 21 could ultimately determine if the Spartans rise in the College Football Playoff top four. They would also likely have to knock off the West Division winner if they were to make it to the B1G Championship.

Michigan State is ranked No. 6 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll, despite the fact that its the only unbeaten team with a road win against a top-15 team.

The Spartans will look to continue their unbeaten start when they travel to Lincoln to take on Nebraska on Saturday.