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) SEC – 8.0
The SEC takes a slight hit this week. A bad Tennessee team thumping Auburn hurts the depth the SEC. Tennessee as you remember was rolled by West Virginia. LSU got back into the playoff chase by beating Georgia by 20. Georgia is out of the playoff chase barring running the table and winning the SEC Title.
This week Missouri play Memphis OOC. LSU gets Mississippi State at home, and Alabama gets another tuneup when they play Tennessee.
Playoff Contenders
Alabama, LSU
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
2) Big 10 – 7.0
Not much separates the Big 10, Big 12, and ACC right now. They all trail the SEC by a wide margin. Penn State going down to Michigan State leave the Big 10 only with Ohio State and Michigan anywhere near the playoff discussion.
This weekend Michigan heads to Michigan State and Ohio State plays at Purdue.
Playoff Contenders
Ohio State
In the Playoff Picture
Michigan
3) Big 12 – 6.9
I suppose the Big 12 is ahead of the ACC, because it’s deeper… I guess. West Virginia losing to Iowa State give the Big 12 ZERO playoff contenders at the moment. That’s not a good look.
Oklahoma plays TCU this weekend, and if they win out they may still have a shot at they playoffs. Texas is a top 10 team after losing to Maryland in week 1… too soon.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
4) ACC – 6.6
Oh if Pitt would have knocked off Notre Dame, the ACC would have taken a big leap. Miami losing at Virginia knocks another ACC out of the top 25 rankings. There’s just not alot of depth to the ACC.
NC State is likely Clemson’s last major obstacle to an undefeated regular season. If the Wolfpack win, they’ll enter the playoff chase.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
5) Pac 12 – 6.5
Oregon beating Washington was a playoff killer for the Pac 12. The conference needs so much playoff help, it’s barely worth discussing at this point.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
The Rest
Notre Dame’ and UCF survived games they easily could have lost this past week. UCF just need to keep winning and hope. Notre Dame keeps winning they are headed to the playoffs.
Playoff Contenders
Notre Dame
In the Playoff Picture
UCF
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 – Ohio State | Alabama | Clemson | LSU
Just Missed – 5) Notre Dame 6) UCF 7) Michigan 8) Georgia
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