Dec 1 CFP Rankings Reaction

Here we go with the second CFP rankings release. I’m going to be honest, I don’t know what parameters the committee is using. I also don’t know why the committee ranks more than 6 teams. Do we really need to know what team these people think is 25th? This system is, in theory, better than the BCS. I think we need much more concrete ways to measure the teams. It seems to vary week to week.

1. Alabama
No change from last week, and we got the added bonus of them throttling Auburn.
My Rank: 1

2. Notre Dame
The committee left them at 2, and with Ohio State having to cancel another game and Notre Dame’s impressive win over North Carolina, I think they have earned the #2 spot.
My Rank: 2

3. Clemson
Clemson came out mad this week against Pittsburgh. The rematch between Notre Dame should be a great game, but it probably won’t alter the rankings too much.
My Rank: 3

4. Ohio State
Ohio State has been hit hard with Covid, and they might be in danger of not qualifying for the Big 10 Championship game. Even if they are one of the four best teams in the country, I find it hard to justify putting them into the playoff if they play less than 6 games. For right now I think they are at the right spot.
My Rank: 4

5. Texas A&M
Personally, I would have flipped Florida and A&M this week. The Aggies didn’t do as well as I expected them to against LSU. Texas A&M has the chance to really prove themselves this week on the road against Auburn.
My Rank: 6

6. Florida
Florida had another strong game last week against Kentucky. Their offense is extremely good, though their defense isn’t the best. Luckily, we should get a chance to see them play Alabama in a couple weeks and really see what they are made of.
My Rank: 5

7. Cincinnati
The Bearcats didn’t play this week, but they are still clearly the best Group of 5 team.
My Rank: 7

8. Georgia
Georgia played a lot better this week and showed they still have some fight left in them. Eight might be a bit high, but I’m not sure many teams below them would have a chance to beat them.
My Rank: 8

9. Iowa State
Iowa State got a good win over Texas this weekend, but I’m not sure that merits being in the top 10. I honestly think the only reason they are up this far is because the committee wants to make sure the Big 12 has a slim chance to make it to the playoff for a bit more drama on selection day.
My Rank: 11

10. Miami
Miami hasn’t played in the last couple of weeks and they haven’t been really great this season. They have a lot of close wins and a big loss to Clemson. I don’t really see how they are ranked this high.
My Rank: 13

11. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has looked a lot better recently. They have really looked like Oklahoma of the last few years. Their game last week was postponed because of covid. They are a strong team and I think a lot of us are looking forward to seeing the rematch with Iowa State.
My Rank: 12

12. Indiana
Indiana’s only loss was a close one to Ohio State. I do not know why they are being ranked so low by the committee. I think they have shown they are worth being ranked in the top 10.
My Rank: 9

13. BYU
The committee is still hating on BYU. Unfortunately, they have completed their regular season schedule, meaning they don’t really have a chance to show how good they are. So that really sucks.
My Rank: 10

14. Northwestern
Northwestern had a real brain fart this week. They lost to a not-so-good Michigan State team. I still think they are a good team, but I also feel a bit validated after being skeptical of their ranking last week. The loss to the Spartans is a bit of a crushing blow for the Wildcats.
My Rank: 14

15. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State got by Texas Tech last week, but I don’t think they looked good enough for the committee to bump them up 8 spots. I think this is another case of the committee trying to create some drama as we get to the end of the season.
My Rank: 18

16. Wisconsin
We haven’t got to see much of Wisconsin this year. They seem to be pretty decent, but there is such a small sample size. I think 16 is a pretty good ranking.
My Rank: 16

17. North Carolina
North Carolina lost to Notre Dame, but the committee bumped them up a few spots. I think 19 is a good ranking for the Tar Heels. They are a strong team, but they are very up and down.
My Rank: 19

18. Coastal Carolina
Coastal has had a great season and is still undefeated. They will get to face Liberty this weekend in what should be a ranked matchup. I think they should be ranked a little bit higher, but they haven’t played that tough of a schedule this year.
My Rank: 16

19. Iowa
I feel the same way about Iowa this week as I did last week. They are ok. They survived Nebraska last week.
My Rank: 21

20. USC
USC’s game was canceled this week, so we haven’t learned anything new about them.
My Rank: 22

21. Marshall
Marshall was off last week. We know they are a good Group of 5 team, but not being able to see them against better competition is really hurting them.
My Rank: 20

22. Washington
Washington is one of the two new teams to break into the top 25 this season. They are a pretty decent team. I’m not sure they are better than Auburn or Texas, but I can see why they committee ranked them. But also I think maybe Liberty deserves it more.
My Rank: 23

23. Oregon
Even though Oregon lost to Oregon State, I think they are a really good team. Rivalry games tend to blur the merits of both teams. Oregon State has been pretty good this season as well. I would think Oregon would be favored against a few teams that the committee has ranked ahead of them.
My Rank: 17

24. Tulsa
Tulsa’s game was postponed last week, but their pluckiness lives on. I think their ability to win the tight games has earned them a spot in the top 25.
My Rank: 24

25. Louisiana
Louisiana scored 70 points against their in-state rival last week. They are also 8-1 overall. I don’t have a problem with them being ranked in the top 25.
My Rank: 25