Alabama Football: Talking first CFB Playoff rankings
By Ronald Evans
With the Crimson Tide having no chance to be ranked in the top four on Tuesday night, Alabama football fans were generally relaxed about the first CFB Playoff rankings. After all, the Crimson Tide wins out, and as SEC Champion it makes the final four.
There is however a scenario in which an undefeated Washington, an undefeated Big Ten champion, and an undefeated Florida State could stress the Selection Committee. Possibly the committee could be left to consider for the fourth spot two teams, both 12-1, and both conference champions. And, the two teams played each other in the regular season. Those two teams could well be the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Would the Selection Committee go with the head-to-head winner; Texas? Or would Alabama, having at that point, more quality wins, including a win over Georgia, get the nod?
There is much football left to be played. The two questions above cannot be answered now. And, answers are not needed now. Much will change over the next five weeks. Based on the history of CFB Playoff rankings, there are around 13 teams left with a path to a Playoff berth.
Alabama Football: CFB Playoff Rankings Week One
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Michigan Wolverines
- Florida State Seminoles
- Washington Huskies
- Oregon Ducks
- Texas Longhorns
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Missouri Tigers
- Louisville Cardinals
- LSU Bengal Tigers
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Oregon State Beavers
- Tennessee Vols
- Utah Utes
- UCLA Bruins
- Southern Cal Trojans
- Kansas Jayhawks
- Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Kansas State Wildcats
- Tulane Green Wave
- Air Force Falcons
Six SEC teams in the top 17 is impressive for the league. No other conference comes close. The Pac-12 has five teams in the top 20, but one (USC at No. 20) was given a generous ranking by the Selection Committee.
Interesting comments were made after the week one Playoff rankings were released. Committee Chair, Boo Corrigan was asked about Michigan and sign-stealing. His answer was,
"It’s an NCAA issue. It’s not a CFP issue."
Since the NCAA will take no action until much later (if ever), the Wolverines will not be affected in this season’s Playoff decisions.
Also, multiple ESPN commentators, including Kirk Herbstreit stated that in their mind, Ohio State is not currently college football’s best team.
Next. Waiting on a Kendrick Law explosion. dark
There will be four more Tuesday night rankings before the final one on Sunday, Dec. 3.