The College Football Playoff Rankings were recently revealed, and while there wasn’t much debate, a few decisions caught attention. With the new 12-team format, there’s more room for undefeated and one-loss teams to maneuver in the final month of the season. The rankings may not carry much weight until the last week, as seen in past seasons.
Underrated: Indiana at No. 8
Indiana’s performance suggests they are among the top five teams nationally, but their strength of schedule is holding them back, ranking 103rd. Despite being undefeated and dominating opponents, their strength of record is the worst among the top 12 teams. This places them at the 9th seed, forcing them to travel for a first-round playoff game, a tough break for a team with a perfect record.
Overrated: Missouri
Missouri’s notable win is against Vanderbilt, and they’ve struggled on the road against tougher opponents. Their low scoring average in the SEC and inconsistency raise questions about their ranking. In comparison, Army, undefeated and leading in every game this season, is ranked lower, despite a stronger performance.
Overrated: Penn State at No. 6
Penn State’s lack of significant wins and weak strength of record suggest they should be ranked lower. Their upcoming games may not provide many opportunities to improve their resume, making their current ranking seem premature. Being placed above Indiana, who has a better record and performance, is questionable.
Underrated: BYU at No. 9
BYU’s top 10 ranking comes as a pleasant surprise, but some argue they should be higher. Despite impressive wins against ranked opponents, their strength of schedule is holding them back. BYU’s frustration is understandable when comparing their ranking to Texas, who has a similar schedule but is ranked higher. The committee’s emphasis on the “eye test” may be influencing these decisions.
Overall, the committee’s initial rankings have sparked discussions about the teams’ rankings and how they compare to their performance on the field. As the season progresses, teams will have the opportunity to prove their worth and potentially move up in the rankings. The final weeks will be crucial in determining which teams make it to the playoffs and how the rankings evolve.
