Holy Score: How the CFP rankings leave Utah, BYU in unexpected state of mutual dependence

The initial College Football Playoff rankings were light on major controversies Tuesday evening but brought several notable twists.

Here’s one: Undefeated BYU was slotted seventh, below a trio of one-loss SEC teams (Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi).

Here’s another: Two-loss Utah was ranked 13th, above a duo of one-loss ACC teams (Virginia and Louisville).

The developments seem unrelated but, for our purposes, possess a deep, tantalizing connection.

The Cougars and Utes need each other.

That’s right, folks. From this point forward, the Hatfields are rooting for the McCoys.

Burr and Hamilton are besties.

We’ll plunge into the details of this delicious twist below. But let’s pause for a minute to enjoy the idea that one of the nastiest rivalries in major college sports has been placed