Alabama Football: Why a one-year response to CFBP field is always wrong
By Ronald Evans
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee has a tough job.
It is not easy work for the Committee. It never is and Saturday includes possible outcomes, the Committee would prefer not to face. Mike Decoursey, writing for Sporting News said the Committee’s biggest fear is a Clemson loss to Notre Dame.
"What if the Tigers get swept by the best team on their relatively meager schedule? Would the CFP committee ignore every precedent they’ve set since the event was introduced in 2014 and select Clemson"
No team has ever made the Playoff field with two losses. Decoursey clearly believes a two-loss Clemson team does not belong in the Playoff field.
"ESPN’s “Strength of Record” metric … lists Clemson all the way down at No. 9, behind such teams as Indiana, USC, Coastal Carolina and Cincinnati."
The Committee will take plenty of heat if it allows a two-loss Clemson team to establish a new Playoff precedent. If Clemson is not included, the Committee might choose Texas A&M, leading to a rematch with the Crimson Tide. Or a two-loss Florida, if the Gators can beat Alabama. Another possible option would be a two-loss Iowa State if the Cyclones win the Big 12. Any of those choices will have Cincinnati screaming foul.
A fine mess would ensue with more losers than winners, including the Selection Committee. Across the college football world, the loudest objections will come from those who want an eight-team field.
When the Committee decides to seriously discuss an eight-team field, historical context will be important. Look at how the No. 3 and the No. 4 seeds have performed in six Playoffs.