Since the CFB Playoff Selection Committee announced the addition of a new schedule measuring metric in August, little new information has been provided. The initial release included just enough detail to believe that the new metric changed the SEC's opinion about moving to a nine-game schedule.
The committee's release stated that the record strength metric would "reward teams defeating high-quality opponents while minimizing the penalty for losing to such a team. Conversely, these changes will provide minimal reward for defeating a lower-quality opponent while imposing a greater penalty for losing to such a team."
The short description fueled some optimism that the new metric would minimize schedule disparities. Of course, as soon as the first rankings are released, questions will be asked 'Was team X ranked above team Y because of the record strength metric?' The committee is not expected to go into great detail when answering. Based on past committee communication, replies may be non-answers.
Debates about the new metric may take center stage this playoff cycle. ESPN and others will try hard to explain any impact on the rankings. When they can't, along with the entire college football media world, speculation will be provided in abundance.
Alabama Crimson Tide and the CFB Playoff
As this cycle's rankings begin, Alabama Crimson Tide fans are hopeful that Alabama will benefit from playing a tough schedule. Based on ESPN's FPI's Strength of Schedule (SOS), the Crimson Tide has played the No. 4 most difficult schedule among all FBS teams. Only Wisconsin, Florida, and South Carolina have played more difficult schedules. Their combined record is 8 wins and 17 losses.
Alabama is also ranked at No. 4 overall in the Football Power Index. Above the Crimson Tide are Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon. Ohio State has a No. 33 SOS, Indiana is at No. 39, and Oregon's schedule is ranked No. 36. In fairness to the Hoosiers and the Ducks, their remaining regular-season schedules are ranked as more difficult than Alabama's. Among the four teams, Ohio State has the least difficult remaining schedule.
The other change made for this Playoff cycle is straight seeding. That change could potentially mean the SEC Championship Game loser gets a first round bye.