Last night, we got our first look at what the College Football Playoff picture could look like when the season concludes. I’ll start this off by saying I don’t fully disagree with the traditional cowardice displayed by the committee. They made their fair amount of mistakes last evening but, overall, did a solid job when it comes to the top four.
Is Tennessee Really the Number One Team in the Nation?
While Tennessee has been a blast to watch, are they really the number one team in the country? The quick and concise answer is no. Tennessee has beaten an overhyped Alabama team and only have one other impressive win under their belt, which was against LSU. I almost feel like them beating LSU by 27 in Tiger Stadium was more impressive than beating Bama by three, mainly because LSU is now ranked tenth by the committee (we’ll get to that).
Now, they could really make me look like a fool if they beat Georgia this weekend. A win on the road against who I believe to be the nation’s best team would be bonkers. It’d also solidify Tennessee as the nation’s best and Hendon Hooker as the Heisman favorite. A lot hangs in the balance this weekend but, as of right now, I don’t think the Vols have a strong enough resume to be crowned number one. They’re no doubt a top four team, but shouldn’t be first.
The Michigan vs. Clemson Debate
The battle for the fourth spot comes down to a handful of teams. I’ll argue for TCU. Some will make the case for Alabama. But right now, the debate lies between the fourth and fifth teams in the country–Clemson and Michigan. Right off the bat, I’d have to say Clemson is in over Michigan. Clemson has beaten three solid teams in NC State, Wake Forest, and Syracuse. By the way the rest of their schedule is presented, it appears that they’ll finish undefeated and make the ACC Championship. The combined record of teams Clemson has played this year is 37-28.
For Michigan, they have only played one ranked opponent in Penn State. The combined record of teams Michigan has played this year is 30-38. The rest of the Wolverine’s schedule consists of a far superior Ohio State team and ranked Illinois. I don’t see Michigan beating Ohio State this season, which would prevent them from making the Big Ten Championship and would eliminate them from playoff contention. It’s simple, Clemson has a more impressive resume than Michigan.
SEC Bias is Heinous
When it comes to SEC bias, I want to kick in the teeth of the committee. It’s disgusting, farcical, and flat-out dishonest to have five SEC teams in the top eleven. Do you want to know who else knows that? The playoff committee. I have no issue with Tennessee and Georgia being in the top four. Personally, I’d just have Tennessee and Georgia switch places.
My main issue stems from having Alabama over TCU and having LSU ranked tenth. LSU is currently ahead of one-loss UCLA, one-loss Ole Miss, and one-loss Illinois. When you glance at the AP Poll, they have 6-2 LSU at fifteen, which feels more fitting. They lost week one to 5-3 Florida State and were decimated on their home field by Tennessee.
I think the main reason LSU was ranked so high in the first CFB Playoff rankings is because of this week’s matchup vs Alabama. I wholeheartedly believe that the committee ranked them at ten to help bolster Alabama’s resume with a “top ten win.” If Alabama wins this weekend, which I think will happen, then it just makes the Crimson Tide’s playoff case look better. LSU doesn’t deserve the ten spot. It should have gone to Ole Miss, UCLA, or even Kansas State. Just not LSU.
TCU is Indeed the Real Deal
I could conduct an entire Ted Talk about why TCU is a playoff team but, right now, I’m here to argue why they should be higher than Bama. It’s no secret that Alabama and the committee have a long, loving relationship, but putting TCU at seven and Alabama at six is hare-brained. First off, TCU is 8-0 and Alabama is 7-1. TCU, led by the reincarnated Red Rifle (Max Duggan), has beaten four ranked opponents and has one remaining. Their margin of victory against ranked opponents is 12.7 points. Alabama has played three ranked teams and is 2-1 against them. They have two remaining on the schedule in a strong Ole Miss team and a fraudulent LSU squad coached by a murderer.
When it comes to their opponents this season, TCU’s are 35-25 and Alabama’s are 34-30, which is pretty similar. What’s even crazier is that compared to the ranked wins that Alabama has collected, their best win is probably on the road vs. Texas. They won 20-19 and didn’t look overly impressive. Personally, I believe the undefeated squad should be over the one-loss team in the first playoff rankings. TCU has navigated a gauntlet of a Big 12 schedule thus far and are doing it with a backup QB. I’d have them in my top four, but they should at least be over Alabama.
