Why am I discussing conference power rankings? Well because as teams start playing each other in their conference, the strength of a conference determines the quality of your wins as the playoffs approach. It matters so let’s get right into it.
Let me point out on my philosophy on these rankings – your 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 1-2 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 10 – 8.1
The Big 10 took a bit of a hit this week, as Michigan State went down to an Indiana that lost at home to Wake Forest. That erodes the depth of the Big 10 a bit. Ohio State and Michigan maintain their collision course, and Nebraska remained undefeated.
Wisconsin lost to Michigan, but that’s a good team, and 1 loss doesn’t completely eliminate them from the playoffs, but they have work to do to catch back up.
This week is a light schedule as not much in the Big 10 catches our attention. Michigan State does play at BYU.
Playoff Contenders
Ohio State, Michigan
In the Playoff Picture
Nebraska, Wisconsin
2) ACC – 7.7
The ACC now features 3 top 15 teams, Clemson, Louisville, and Miami, and depending on which poll you look at 5-6 ranked teams. Clemson beat Louisville this past weekend, but Louisville isn’t out of the playoff chase. Middle of the Pack ACC team FSU owns a win over Ole Miss, that proves the depth of the ACC.
Syracuse did lose OOC to Notre Dame, but that wasn’t a surprise.
Next week Miami plays FSU, and a Canes win would move Miami into serious playoff consideration. Notre Dame plays at NC State in an OOC game that NC State could really use to restore that fanbase’s confidence in Dave Doeren.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
Louisville, Miami
3) SEC – 7.5
The SEC has 3 teams that could make a run at the playoffs. Alabama, Texas A&M, and Tennessee are the SEC’s best teams and all won this past week. The Vols have had some close games, that some would call lucky, but at some point you make your own luck, and Tennessee is finding ways to win. They took down Georgia on a Hail Mary last second play.
Next week the SEC takes center stage as Tennessee and Texas A&M to face off. Alabama plays one the few teams on their schedule that can match them physically. A game at Arkansas will have their full attention.
Playoff Contenders
Alabama, Texas A&M, Tennesee
In the Playoff Picture
None
4) Pac 12 – 7.0
Washington made their playoff claim by whooping Stanford on Friday night. There is no depth to the Pac 12. After Washington and Stanford, Colorado is the only other ranked team.
The Huskies go to Oregon in a game that looks much easier than earlier in the year as the Ducks have fallen apart. I have a feeling Oregon will really push Washington though.
Playoff Contenders
Washington
In the Playoff Picture
None
5) Big 12 – 5.2
Baylor and West Virginia shouldn’t still be undefeated, but for the Big 12’s sake it’s a good thing they are. They are the Big 12’s only ranked teams. Formerly ranked Texas and TCU going down to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma hurts the Big 12. I’ve never seen the Big 12 this bad. A 1 loss Big 12 Champ probably won’t make the playoffs.
With West Virginia and Baylor off next week, the Big 12’s slim playoff hopes will remain alive in week 6.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
Baylor
The Rest
Houston rolled UCONN, but we won’t hear from them again until they play Louisville later in the year.
Playoff Contenders
Houston
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 – Washington | Alabama | Clemson | Ohio State
Just Missed – 5) Michigan 6) Houston 7) Texas A&M 8) Tennessee
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