We really aren’t any closer locking down those playoff spots are we?
Let me point out on my philosophy on these rankings – you’re most recent OOC results count a lot, and you’ll see me reference that throughout the season.
We’ll give each conference a relative strength value 1-10.
Let me explain my relative rankings
0-5 : Conference lacks depth no elite teams
6-7: Conference lacks depth, and there are 0-2 elite teams, and 1-2 quality teams
7-8: At least 2 elite teams, and at least 2 quality teams.
8-9: 3 elite teams, and at least 2 quality teams
9-10: 1/2 of conference is elite and/or quality teams.
1) Big 12 – 7.1
TCU nearly pull off a shocker against Oklahoma, but lost 30-29. That keeps the Sooners alive for a playoff spot. Baylor beating Oklahoma State was not a result the Big 12 needed. There is no scenario where a Big 12 team can win their way into the playoffs is guaranteed. I still think Oklahoma is best positioned though.
I’m keeping the Big 12 at the top here, because they are the deepest 1-4 in the country.
Next week TCU and Baylor play and Oklahoma and Oklahoma State face off.
Playoff Contenders
Oklahoma
In the Playoff Picture
Baylor
2) Big 10 – 7.05
Ohio State proved what most of us had been thinking. Something was wrong with that team, and loss at home to Michigan State proved it. Iowa just keeps winning, and must be taken seriously now.
I like the Spartans because of wins at Michigan and Ohio State. They also beat Oregon OOC. If they win out, they should make the playoffs. Iowa is in if they win out as well.
They play Penn State next week. Just a question, when is James Franklin going to turn that program around?
Michigan and Ohio State matchup in a game that lost a little luster after the Buckeyes loss.
Playoff Contenders
Michigan State, Iowa
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
3) SEC – 6.9
Really SEC? A loss to the Citadel by South Carolina, Florida taken to OT by Florida Atlanta, and Georgia going to OT with Georgia Southern. Take out Alabama, and the SEC is in the worst shape it’s been in over a decade.
Next week Alabama goes to Auburn, and even as a rivalry Bama shouldn’t have much issue with a mediocre Auburn team. Florida and FSU meet, and if the Gators have any faint playoff hopes they better beat the Noles.
If Florida does defeat Florida State, everyone will forget the recent shaky play.
Playoff Contenders
Alabama
In the Playoff Picture
Florida
4) Pac 12 – 6.9
Too many similar teams is the Pac 12’s undoing. Even their best teams Stanford, Oregon, USC have OOC losses.
If Stanford beats Notre Dame, and wins the Pac 12 title, they might have one last gasp at the playoffs. We need to see a win over Notre Dame to even get them in the picture though.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
5) ACC – 6.8
Clemson keeps marching along after cruising over Wake Forest. UNC showed what a good team they by beating an inspired Virginia Tech in their backyard in Frank Beamer’s last game. That South Carolina loss just keeps weighing down the Tar Heels though like an anchor.
Next week if Clemson beats reeling South Carolina, UNC beats NC State, and Florida State defeats UF, I would move the ACC ahead of the Pac 12.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
North Carolina
The Rest
Notre Dame didn’t play well against Boston College. I feel like they are losing their grip on that 4th playoff sport. They must beat Stanford or their playoff hopes are finished. Houston got beat by Temple, and prayer of the playoffs for them are done.
Playoff Contenders
Notre Dame
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
My Current Playoff Teams
As my personal criticism of the playoff committee, I don’t think the top 4 seeds order should be released until the final rankings. The playoff committee’s inconsistent and ever changing criteria is causing unnecessary frustration and confusion. It’s one of the improvement points I’d have for them.
If I had a vote this is who I would put in the playoff right now.
In – Oklahoma | Alabama | Clemson | Iowa
Just Missed – 5) Michigan St. 6) Notre Dame 7) Baylor 8) Ohio State
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