The College Football Playoff Projections: A Futile Exercise?
As the nation’s attention turns to the presidential election and the thrilling MACtion, the College Football Playoff projected bracket show feels like a desperate attempt to grab our attention. With weeks of football still to come, the current rankings hold little significance. Yet, it’s intriguing to envision the first 12-team postseason in college football.
A Glimpse into the Future
The initial projections feature 8th-ranked Indiana as a 9-seed, facing off against 7th-ranked Tennessee as an 8-seed. This matchup sparks excitement, particularly given the parallels between Indiana’s basketball program and Tennessee’s football program. Both have experienced tremendous success in the past, only to underperform in recent years, fueling lofty expectations from their fan bases.
Indiana’s Rise to Prominence
This selection show, however, focuses on Indiana football, which has surpassed Notre Dame and Alabama in the rankings. It’s a stunning turn of events in 2024. Until this week, Indiana was grossly underestimated, despite not having played any formidable opponents. The disrespect was palpable, with Notre Dame ranked higher than IU after losing to Northern Illinois and boasting a 77 SOS rank compared to IU’s 103.
A Sliver of Respect
After breaking into the AP top 10, Indiana is finally receiving a fraction of the respect it deserves for dominating its opponents. Could they be ranked higher? Absolutely. If the situations were reversed, the committee would likely fawn over Notre Dame’s achievements. At least Booger McFarland defended Indiana’s position on the show.
Staying Focused
Ultimately, these projections are mere distractions. As a disciple of Coach Cignetti, I know that the only thing that matters right now is the upcoming game against Michigan on Saturday. Every football fan understands that Indiana’s path to the CFP hinges on defeating Ohio State. If they succeed, no one can deny their rightful place in the playoff. However, a loss would invite ridicule and skepticism.
The Verdict
The bracket projection show offered few surprises, except for Joey Galloway’s ill-advised comparison of Indiana’s schedule to Army’s. As we move forward, it’s essential to stay focused on the games ahead, rather than getting bogged down in hypothetical scenarios.
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