The landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings is set to change significantly after Oklahoma”s recent triumph over Alabama. The selection committee”s upcoming rankings on Tuesday night will be particularly intriguing as they evaluate the positioning of two-loss teams, notably Oklahoma and Notre Dame. The key question is how the committee will balance the head-to-head victory of Oklahoma against Alabama when considering their placement relative to the Fighting Irish.
Ohio State is expected to retain its top position following a decisive win over UCLA. The Buckeyes” dominance has been recognized by the committee, with former chair Mack Rhoades noting a “really clear consensus” that they are the best team in the nation. Ohio State”s defensive prowess and exceptional offensive line play, highlighted by quarterback Julian Sayin”s impressive statistics, solidify their status. However, their lower strength of schedule could be a point of contention.
Indiana is projected to follow Ohio State, having demonstrated strong performances against weaker opponents. Despite their success, they have yet to secure a spot in the Big Ten title game. Meanwhile, Texas A&M, although facing a narrow escape against South Carolina, maintains a solid position due to their strong overall record and quality wins, including a notable victory over Notre Dame.
Georgia, despite a head-to-head loss to Alabama earlier this season, may rise in the rankings due to fewer total losses and impressive victories, including a win against Texas. Their strength of schedule and performance metrics enhance their standing as they seek a path to the SEC title game.
Texas Tech and Ole Miss are also in contention for a higher ranking, with Texas Tech recognized for its strong performances against ranked opponents. Oklahoma is anticipated to make a significant leap due to their recent successes, including back-to-back wins against Tennessee and Alabama, which bolster their playoff credentials.
In contrast, Alabama faces a potential drop due to their head-to-head loss against Oklahoma, though their win against Georgia earlier this season keeps them in the playoff picture. Notre Dame is battling to maintain its position as the top two-loss team, having secured a convincing win over Pitt.
As the committee prepares to unveil its third CFP ranking, the implications of the recent games will undoubtedly influence the final decisions on playoff placements. With critical matchups on the horizon, teams like Texas A&M and Georgia will be looking to solidify their positions heading towards the postseason.
