Or I say the CFP ranking confusion? Usually, I don’t react much to the first ranking releases. But this time I was flabbergasted.
Everyone who reads my articles knows I’m an Alabama Homer. But last night’s release left me awestruck. Did Saban come back to coach my Tide, and did I miss the story?
In what universe is Alabama the 5th best football team in the nation? Alabama isn’t even one of the 12 best teams in the nation. I might be a Homer, but I’m also a realist.
Let’s break down this CFP confusion. They select the best 11 teams, one Group of Five/Six team, and Notre Dame, if it’s ranked 12th or better.
The committee’s top three picks are spot on: Miami, Georgia, and Utah, but it was downhill after that. Why is Indiana coming in at #4, four spots ahead of the undefeated Big 10 leader UCLA? So it’s last year’s champion ahead of this year’s Big 10 leader?
The SEC co-leader, Kentucky, is ranked 6th and behind Alabama. Yes, Alabama beat Kentucky, but Kentucky has only one loss and quality wins against LSU and South Carolina. Kentucky has played like a champion, while Alabama has faltered since they met.
Next, we have Texas. This team hasn’t put together a four-quarter good game all season, except against an injury-depleted Mississippi State team. Texas being ranked 9th is okay, but not 7th ahead of UCLA and BYU. Texas defeated Ohio State; BYU beat Notre Dame and has one fewer loss. BYU has played better and more consistently than Texas. I’d rank Ole Miss ahead of Texas even if Texas won the final score.
The ACC should have two teams in the top twelve—Miami and Wake Forest. Wake Forest’s only loss came against Miami. Since that loss, Wake Forest has averaged 43.4 points over five games and allowed 11.6 points. That’s a 31.8-point differential! Wake Forest hasn’t played a tough schedule, but they have handled business as a playoff-contending team.
So, enough with the carping. Here’s how I would rank the teams: Miami, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, UCLA, BYU, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Indiana, Ole Miss, Texas, and Ohio State. My next twelve teams would be LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, Texas Tech, USC, Iowa, Houston, South Carolina, Boise State, Arizona, and Northwestern.
C’mon, Committee! Open your eyes and drop the politics. Fairness will come if you do.
