While the playoff committee doesn’t rank the power 5 conference, there is no way conference strength – which means OOC results doesn’t figure in to a committee members thought process.
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) ACC – 7.4
As I said last week, if the ACC went at least 3-1 in rivalry games with SEC this week, I’d move them to #1. That’s what happened as Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville all won in blow out fashion over South Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky. There were all on the road too. Georgia Tech losing to Georgia was the lone ACC loss.
Clemson’s win over Auburn is currently the best OOC win of the year.
The winner of the ACCCG between Clemson and Miami is in.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson, Miami
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
1) SEC – 7.3
Auburn might be the SEC’s best team, but they’ve lost OOC to Clemson. Alabama was teetering on a loss for weeks and finally went down to Auburn. Georgia cruised by Georgia Tech, but the ACC still won rivalry week 3-1, with Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina all getting routed.
The winner of the SEC Title game winner between Auburn and Georgia makes the playoff. Alabama is probably out, without a lot of help.
Playoff Contenders
Auburn, Georgia
In the Playoff Picture
Alabama
3) Big 12 – 7.2
I’m not so sure Oklahoma isn’t the best in the country. They rolled West Virginia, and have that win over Ohio State on the resume.
They’ll make the playoffs if they win the Big 12 title. TCU will be their opponent, and if they win will warrant serious consideration. I’d put them in with a victory.
Playoff Contenders
Oklahoma
In the Playoff Picture
TCU
4) Big 10 – 7.0
Wisconsin is questioned for it’s resume, but they are rolling everyone they play. Ohio State beat Michigan, but what quality team isn’t these days.
Wisconsin is definitely in with a Big 10 championship. Ohio State is probably in too if they win the Big 10, but that’s not assured. All the chaos of the last couple has brought the Buckeyes back into the playoff picture even though they really aren’t that deserving. There are just no other options.
Playoff Contenders
Wisconsin
In the Playoff Picture
Ohio State
5) Pac 12 – 6.8
Stanford got a nice win over Notre Dame, but nobody’s heard from the Pac 12 since mid October.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
The Rest
Notre Dame started playing ranked teams, and their season went south.
Central Florida is undefeated, has no chance to reach the playoffs.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
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 – Clemson | Auburn | Wisconson | Oklahoma
Just Missed – 5) Georgia 6) Alabama 7) Miami 8) Ohio State
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