The College Football Playoff Conundrum
As the College Football Playoff committee prepares to release its third rankings of the season, the debate is already heating up. But let’s be real, the only rankings that truly matter are the final ones that determine which teams make the cut.
The Big Ten’s Inflated Records
Right now, it seems likely that the Big Ten will secure four spots in the Playoff, with Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, and Indiana leading the charge. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these teams have padded their records with weak schedules and lack impressive wins. Indiana, for instance, boasts an undefeated record, but its schedule ranks a dismal 106th in the country, behind teams like Southern Miss and FIU.
The Hoosiers’ Lackluster Schedule
If Indiana loses to Ohio State this week, its best win will be a lackluster 5-5 Michigan or 6-5 Washington. At some point, you need to beat a quality opponent to earn your stripes. This week’s matchup against Ohio State presents a golden opportunity for the Hoosiers to prove themselves. If they emerge victorious, they’ll certainly deserve a Playoff spot.
The SEC Bias Myth
Meanwhile, the Big Ten community is crying foul, accusing the college football media of having an SEC bias. But is this bias really about favoring the SEC, or is it about recognizing the strength of their schedules and the quality of their wins? Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ole Miss have all faced stiff competition and boast multiple wins over CFP contenders.
A Tale of Two Schedules
Compare the schedules of these SEC powerhouses to those of the Big Ten teams, and the difference is stark. The SEC teams have been battle-tested, while the Big Ten teams have feasted on weaker opponents. According to Massey, each of these SEC teams would be a 7-12 point favorite over Indiana on a neutral field.
The Army Analogy
If we’re solely judging teams based on their records, then Army should be a top-five team right now. But we know that’s not the case, because everyone understands that Army’s 9-0 record is more a product of its weak schedule than its actual strength. So why do we apply a different standard to Big Ten teams with similarly weak schedules?
The Inevitable Outcome
In the end, all this hand-wringing will be for naught. Indiana will likely face Alabama or Georgia in the Playoff and suffer a crushing defeat, while other teams that have already beaten these SEC powerhouses will be relegated to the Citrus Bowl in the name of “fairness.” The bias in the system is real, but it’s not the one the Big Ten fans are complaining about.
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