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
It’s elimination week for 3 SEC teams this week. Alabama plays LSU and Georgia takes on Kentucky.
For Alabama the game is meaningless as the committee won’t have the guts to leave Alabama out of the playoffs with 1 loss.
Playoff Contenders
Alabama, LSU
In the Playoff Picture
Georgia, Kentucky
2) Big 12 – 6.9
Last week’s loss to Oklahoma State ends the Texas run at the playoff. West Virginia if they beat Texas this week though can get into the fringe of the playoff discussion.
Oklahoma plays Texas Tech and is not out of the playoff picture. They must win out.
Playoff Contenders
Oklahoma
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
3) Big 10 – 6.8
Michigan takes on Penn State this week. The Wolverines are not currently in the top 4, but they are in good position to reach the playoffs.
If Northwestern beats Notre Dame, I’ll move the Big 10 ahead of the Big 12.
Playoff Contenders
Michigan
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
4) ACC – 6.6
For the ACC and the playoffs, it’s Clemson or bust. Clemson gets Louisville this week in what equates to a glorified scrimmage.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
5) Pac 12 – 6.5
With the playoff committee placing Washington State 8th, the Cougars are not in a bad place. They get Cal this week and can’t afford 1 more additional loss.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
Washington State
The Rest
Notre Dame gets one of their toughest tests remaining with a game at Northwestern. The Irish are another team that can’t afford a loss. If they were in the ACC they could.
Central Florida beat Temple Thursday, but wasn’t impressive. To reach the top 4 is nearly impossible for them.
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 – Notre Dame | Alabama | Clemson | LSU
Just Missed – 5) Michigan 6) Georgia 7) UCF 8) Washington State
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