CFP Rankings Reaction - Josh Pate's College Football Show
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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Top Comments (10)
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.
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?
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.
The “criteria” well it changes constantly. It comes down to money and that is the only criteria
Get us to 500k...SUBSCRIBE to the channel! - JP
Upsets happen. It’s not that complicated
Just wanna say love the twister poster in the back
“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.
Well done! I love this stuff! I can’t imagine anyone doing it better! Thanks!
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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Top Comments (10)
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.
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?
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.
The “criteria” well it changes constantly. It comes down to money and that is the only criteria
Get us to 500k...SUBSCRIBE to the channel! - JP
Upsets happen. It’s not that complicated
Just wanna say love the twister poster in the back
“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.
Well done! I love this stuff! I can’t imagine anyone doing it better! Thanks!
I love the show man these breakdowns always bring a good vibe to my day and just keep my love for college football