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CFP Rankings Reaction - Josh Pate's College Football Show

2025-11-19 Sports
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CFP Initial Rankings: Analyzing Controversies and Selection Sunday Pitfalls

Understand the committee's opaque ranking mechanics—specifically "comparative pools" and head-to-head weight—before Selection Sunday creates chaos.

Short Summary

  • The ranking process creates artificial barriers, exemplified by Notre Dame remaining ranked ahead of Miami despite losing the head-to-head matchup.
  • Committee Chair Hunter Urek confirmed head-to-head carries a "premium" only when teams are placed into the same "comparative pool."
  • A hypothetical Alabama victory in the SEC Championship must result in a top-four ranking to avoid disincentivizing conference title wins.
  • This analysis breaks down the potential chaos involving matchups like Oregon/USC and the precarious status of Big 12 at-large contenders like BYU. This episode dissects the logic behind the CFP committee’s initial selections, focusing on procedural quirks that could dramatically alter final rankings, such as how head-to-head results are seemingly ignored until late in the process. Pate uses comments from Committee Chair Hunter Urek to illustrate why the ranking methodology creates significant confusion for fans expecting immediate results from head-to-head contests.

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Description

College Football Playoff rankings are out, and on Josh Pate's College Football Show Ep 688 Josh Pate delivered his initial reaction. What do we make of Notre Dame being ahead of Miami? Should Ohio State and Indiana be ahead of Texas A&M and UGA? Will we see Alabama able to make their way back into the top 4? How many at-large spots can conferences like the Big12 or ACC secure? Let us know what you think in the comments below and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and CLICK THE BELL for notifications as we bring you multiple live shows per week! #CFP #JoshPate #Predictions SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/josh-pates-college-football-show/id1485905502 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshPateCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoshPateCFB/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshpatecfb

Top Comments (10)

@jmiller9972 2025-11-19

Who said that a 12 team playoff would ruin the regular season? This is the most fun ive had watching a regular season in my life. Im now watching games that I would of never glanced up at while sitting at the bar.

632 88 replies
@mjh18300 2025-11-19

They continue to prove that (1) Head to head matters… when it supports the narrative, (2) Eye test matters… when it supports the narrative, and (3) Style points matter… when it supports the narrative. Could you imagine if the NFL playoffs were decided this way?

284 40 replies
@jcflindsay 2025-11-19

You can't tell me that there are not mathematicians who can't devise a model to evaluate teams fairly and accurately week to week.

101 27 replies
@jasonstott3001 2025-11-19

The “criteria” well it changes constantly. It comes down to money and that is the only criteria

89 26 replies
@JoshPateCFB 2025-11-19

Get us to 500k...SUBSCRIBE to the channel! - JP

26 20 replies
@na4489 2025-11-19

Upsets happen. It’s not that complicated

9
@pecoe019 2025-11-19

Just wanna say love the twister poster in the back

6
@Wikenty 2025-11-19

“What the criteria are” is correct, Josh. Your first instinct was right. The singular is criterion. And I agree with all your comments about the rankings and the “what if” scenarios you raise.

5
@ticc2354 2025-11-19

Well done! I love this stuff! I can’t imagine anyone doing it better! Thanks!

1
@TTiMETrEv 2025-11-19

I love the show man these breakdowns always bring a good vibe to my day and just keep my love for college football

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