Press "Enter" to skip to content

Changes still needed for CFP

In 2014, the first year of the College Football Playoff, the committee ranked Texas Christian University third in the playoff rankings in the second to last release of the rankings.

The following week’s rankings would decide the four teams in the playoff. TCU won its last regular season game by a score of 55-3; this is considered a route and was what many thought an assurance that they would have a place in the playoff.

Ohio State, ranked fifth in the second to last rankings, won their conference championship game 59-0 and jumped TCU in the rankings to receive a spot in the playoff, and we all know the rest of the story from there.

I’m by no means saying that Ohio State didn’t deserve to be in the college football playoff last year. They clearly did as they won their next two games and proved that they were the best team in college football last year.

But, how did TCU not deserve a spot as well? How did TCU not do everything they could to earn a spot in their final regular season game when they won 55-3? They were punished for not having a conference championship, which is not their fault, it’s just the way it is.

What is the purpose of releasing the college playoff rankings six weeks prior to the final rankings?

Yes, I’m sure the teams like to know where they currently stand with the committee. That being said, I’m sure TCU thought they were in fine standing last year when they won their last game 55-3 while they were ranked third at the time, yet they were still on the outside looking in.

In the polls released this week, Notre Dame found themselves at number four. The Irish and Crimson Tide are the two one-loss teams in the top four accompanied by undefeated Clemson and Ohio State.

If Alabama wins out, they will undoubtedly make the playoff, but if Notre Dame wins the rest of their regular season games, there’s no guarantee they will still make the playoff. They could win their last game against Stanford by a touchdown, but if Baylor wins by 60 points, they might skip the Irish and take that last spot.

College football started along the right path in 1998 when they introduced bowl games. Now it’s time to continue its progress.

In 2014, the Football Bowl Series took a major step by implementing a four-team playoff system. In 2016 (since it’s too late for 2015), the FBS needs to take one final step and perfect the system.

Don’t release rankings six weeks prior to the final selection of the four playoff teams. It’s not necessary. Don’t allow the teams who think they are a shoe-in based on early rankings suffer through a major let-down when they find out they aren’t in the playoff after doing all they could.

By all means, start ranking the teams for six weeks, but keep it to yourself. After all, part of the greatness in college football is the mystery and excitement that it brings us every single Saturday.

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.