CFP recommends holding bowl spots open until Army-Navy game played

Army and Navy play in December, the week after the committee typically selects the teams that will play in the New Year's Six bowls.

College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock says the playoff management committee has recommended that the selection committee wait until after the Army-Navy game is played to decide if either team has a chance to play in the New Year's Six bowl games.

If Army or Navy is on the verge of clinching a top-four ranking, the selection committee will wait until after the game is played to start seeding.

"Army-Navy is a great tradition. It is unique and the commissioners are proud of our future servicemen that will be participating in the game and in these two great institutions," Hancock said, according to the Associated Press. "We're pleased we were able to find a way to accommodate the people that make us so proud."

Army and Navy play in December, the week after the committee selects the teams that will play in the so-called New Year's Six, comprised of the national semifinals and four other high-profile bowls.

Ohio State, Alabama betting favorites to win Big Ten, SEC

Navy is joining the American Athletic Conference this season and could could earn a spot in a New Year's Six game by being the highest-ranked conference champion from the Group of Five (American Athletic, Mountain West, Sun Belt, Mid-American Conference and Conference USA).

Army is one of only three independents left in the FBS and is also eligible for a playoff slot or a New Year's Six game, but it can’t take a spot of a Group of Five member because it does not belong to a conference.

• STAPLES: Sizing up Mississippi State's financial planning program

Navy finished 8-5 last season and won the Poinsettia Bowl. The Midshipmen have not played in a major bowl since the Cotton Bowl in 1963.

Army has lost to Navy 13 straight times and finished 2014 with a 4-7 record.

- Scooby Axson