Inside the Selection Room: Top 5 Burning Questions as New Committee Gears Up for First Rankings Reveal

The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s first rankings of the season come with several big questions and potential surprises due to a new committee structure and the unique competitive landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the top considerations driving the initial selection.

1. Who Takes the Top Spot? Georgia and Ohio State lead the rankings debate, each with an undefeated record and a convincing season so far. Georgia, the defending champion, has displayed dominance, while Ohio State, fueled by its powerful offense, is also a top contender. Tennessee, with a perfect season so far, is another candidate, especially after critical wins over Alabama and other ranked teams. The committee will weigh strength of schedule and quality wins heavily in this decision.

2. Will Undefeated Teams Face Brand Bias? Programs like Michigan and TCU bring undefeated records but differ in their historic brand value in college football. Michigan has faced criticism for its relatively weak non-conference schedule, whereas TCU’s strength-of-schedule in the Big 12 might help or hurt, depending on the committee’s perspective. The perception and previous rankings of these conferences play a role in where these teams may fall initially.

3. How Will One-Loss Powerhouses Fare? Teams like Alabama and Oregon, despite suffering losses, remain strong in CFP considerations due to their conference standings and strong performances since their losses. Alabama, known for bouncing back, and Oregon, representing the Pac-12, could be ranked high if the committee deems their résumés strong enough to outweigh their losses.

4. Pac-12’s Path Forward: For the Pac-12, Oregon and Washington are among the highest-ranked contenders, but the conference lacks a clear frontrunner. The committee will likely scrutinize the Pac-12 closely, as Oregon’s season-opening loss and the league’s parity have limited its postseason reach in the past.

5. Impact of Upcoming Matchups: With major games like Michigan-Ohio State and Alabama-Georgia possibly on the horizon, the initial rankings are likely to shift. Teams positioned just outside the top four still have chances to climb, especially if they notch high-quality wins in their final games, adding to the intrigue.

In summary, the new CFP committee is faced with evaluating traditional powerhouse brands, high-performing underdogs, and closely contested conference races. Tuesday’s reveal will set the stage, but as key matchups loom, these rankings will evolve based on performances and outcomes.