College Football Playoff Rankings: Projected 12
College Football Playoff Rankings: Projected 12 and the Perplexities of Parity
The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee is once again faced with the daunting task of ranking the top 12 teams in the country. With so many great teams and so little margin for error, the rankings are sure to be controversial. One of the biggest questions this year is whether the committee will give enough consideration to teams from non-Power 5 conferences.
The Case for Parity
There has been a growing movement in recent years to give more respect to teams from non-Power 5 conferences. These teams often have to play tougher schedules than their Power 5 counterparts, and they often have just as much talent. In fact, two non-Power 5 teams have made the CFP in the past five years: UCF in 2017 and Cincinnati in 2021.
There are several reasons why non-Power 5 teams deserve more consideration. First, they often play tougher schedules. Non-Power 5 teams typically have to play at least two Power 5 teams each year, and they often have to travel long distances to do so. This makes it difficult for them to rack up impressive wins. Second, non-Power 5 teams often have just as much talent as their Power 5 counterparts. Many of the best players in the country come from non-Power 5 schools, and these players can often make a big difference on the field.
The Case for the Power 5
Of course, there are also strong arguments to be made in favor of the Power 5 conferences. The Power 5 conferences have more resources than non-Power 5 conferences, and they are able to attract the best players and coaches in the country. This gives Power 5 teams a significant advantage on the field. In addition, Power 5 teams play in more high-profile games, which gives them a chance to showcase their talent to a wider audience.
The Power 5 conferences have a long history of success in college football. All of the national championships since the CFP era began in 2014 have been won by Power 5 teams. This is because Power 5 teams are simply more consistent than non-Power 5 teams. They have better coaching, better players, and better resources. As a result, they are more likely to win games and compete for championships.
The Committee's Dilemma
The CFP selection committee is faced with a difficult task. They have to weigh the arguments for and against parity and decide which teams deserve to be in the top 12. There is no easy answer to this question, and the committee is sure to be criticized no matter what they decide. However, it is important to remember that the committee is made up of experts who are trying to do what is best for college football. They will consider all of the factors involved and make the best decision they can.
Conclusion
The CFP rankings are sure to be controversial, but they are also an important part of the college football season. The rankings help to determine which teams will play for the national championship, and they also provide a snapshot of the state of the sport. It will be interesting to see how the committee ranks the teams this year, and it will be even more interesting to see how the playoffs play out.
Additional Thoughts
In addition to the arguments for and against parity, there are a few other factors that the CFP selection committee will likely consider when ranking the teams. These factors include:
- Strength of schedule
- Head-to-head results
- Conference championships
- Computer rankings
The strength of schedule is an important factor because it shows how difficult a team's schedule has been. Head-to-head results are also important, especially when two teams are closely matched. Conference championships are another important factor, as they show which teams have been the best in their respective conferences. Finally, computer rankings can be helpful in breaking ties between teams.