The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee values Boise State over the Big 12 champion due to its consistent performance and strategic ranking. Boise State has secured a place in the top ranks, showcasing its strength as a program that thrives in high-pressure situations. This positioning reflects a broader trend where the committee prioritizes teams that demonstrate resilience and success, regardless of conference affiliation.
Several significant questions loomed ahead of Tuesday night’s CFP rankings reveal:
1. How would Ohio State’s ranking change after their loss to Michigan?
2. Would Boise State outrank the top team from the Big 12 or ACC?
3. What insights can be drawn from these rankings as we approach Sunday’s CFP reveal?
[More: College Football Playoff Rankings: Texas at No. 2 behind Oregon; Ohio State drops to 6]
The answers to these questions unfolded following the fifth CFP reveal:
Ohio State’s drop in rankings was anticipated.
The Buckeyes fell to No. 6 after their unexpected defeat by an unranked Michigan team, which concluded its regular season with a 7-5 record. This loss means Ohio State must now navigate the complexities of the 12-team playoff system to maintain its competitive edge.
Currently positioned at No. 8, Ohio State could face a challenging playoff path, especially if they were to travel to Knoxville for a first-round matchup. Such a scenario would not only test the Buckeyes but also excite college football fans eager for thrilling matchups.
Boise State secured a spot among the highest-ranked conference champions.
Holding steady at No. 4 in the latest rankings, Boise State’s position raises questions about the committee’s future decisions, especially with the Mountain West Championship Game approaching against a formidable 10-win UNLV team.
While this ranking is a significant achievement for the Broncos, it complicates the playoff picture for the Big 12 champion, whether it be Iowa State or Arizona State, as the traditional assumption of the top four Power 5 champions filling the highest-ranked spots is disrupted.
The selection committee has the power to create surprising outcomes.
Ranking Boise State above a potential Big 12 or ACC champion, such as a three-loss Clemson, could send ripples through the Power 5 landscape. Even if Clemson wins the ACC Championship Game, they might find themselves as a No. 12 seed, while champions from the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and Mountain West occupy the top four spots.
Moreover, this ranking strategy could inadvertently exclude other deserving teams, like Ole Miss, Miami, or South Carolina, from playoff contention.
By choosing unexpected rankings, the CFP committee may also consider teams like Colorado, further hinting that financial implications play a role in matchup decisions. With this unique process still unfolding, the latest rankings set the stage for what promises to be a historic Selection Sunday.
