CFP rankings - TCU up to #3

[BoulderSooner79]

As expected, TCU moved up with Miss State losing to Ole Miss. But they also hopped over FSU after the Noles struggled with the lame-duck-coached Gators. So now the highly implausible situation of having 2 big12 teams in the final 4 is not so implausible.

The committee obviously really likes TCU, so TCU better win by 4+ TDs against hapless ISU to keep it that way. I think Bama beating Mizzou is a done deal. But Oregon has to play an Arizona team that has already beaten them and has the ability to expose their defense. FSU plays a very salty GT team that is playing their best ball right now. tOSU lost their QB and has to play a Wisky team with very good defensive stats and an RB named Gordon. So if #6 Baylor can get it done at home against a highly respected #9 KSU there may be a top 4 slot available.

I would LMAO if the big12 co-champs both go the party (and then quickly switch to crying that OU is not one of them).

[Eielson]

FSU at 4...yikes. This new poll is a disaster. Bring back the BCS!

[BoulderSooner79]

FSU at 4...yikes. This new poll is a disaster. Bring back the BCS!

I think it is funny as h.ell - I'll bet there are some Nole fans melting down out there. And with OU sitting at 4th in the conference, laughing at other's misery is my primary sport. I doubt the Nole fans really cared if they sat at #2 or #3, but dropping them to #4 would pair them against Bama in the the first round, so that's a big deal. But I suspect they would jump TCU by beating GT and it wouldn't matter if it was close. TCU can't gain anything by beating ISU. But even if the butthurt is only for a week, it's funny.

[AzianSooner]

I can't stand the sweaty &**

[ouwasp]

Sux to be on the outside looking in, but one must find amusement where one can. LOL at FSU. Couldn't happen to a better bunch.

[OUinFLA]

so, what has happened, I spend my weekend pulling for GT, Ariz, and MU to win this weekend (or their opponents to lose if you chose to look at it that way) instead of just rooting for OU and enjoying some football games.
It would be fun to see BU and TCU both in the final four.

and I guess I'll pull for Wisc as well, since I don't much like U Meyer.

summing up, I am rooting for OU to win and 4 teams to lose. Sounds about normal nowadays.

[soonergirlNeugene]

Sux to be on the outside looking in, but one must find amusement where one can. LOL at FSU. Couldn't happen to a better bunch.

I'm perfectly happy with this happening to the Noles, but the better bunch imo would be either Texas or LSU.

[BigTip]

A lot has to happen for Baylor to make it in. But it does give me half a reason to GAS about this weekends results. However I wouldn't waste five bucks on a parlay bet of this happening.

And screw the criminoles. But they have managed to win, I don't know how, I'll give them that.

[FaninAma]

Baylor's out of conference schedule will kill them. I think even if Baylor beats KSU and Ohio State and FSU lose, Baylor will not make it in.

[BoulderSooner79]

Baylor's out of conference schedule will kill them. I think even if Baylor beat KSU and Ohio State and FSU lose Baylor will not make it in.

Their OOC schedule is what has them where they are now. But if they win and #4 and #5 lose, who would jump them?

[badger]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/thujone/Old%20MS%20PAint/2010%20MSPAINTS/cfb21.jpg
http://touchdownalabama.net/tdawp/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/flanders.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1cf9UYCBEQ/Tk7yBdSAh9I/AAAAAAAAABk/IRkcbG0dvCI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-08-19%2Bat%2B6.29.50%2BPM.png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB3AyzO35ho/VER43GCfdXI/AAAAAAAABzo/8znX-sx6G7o/s1600/2014Week8-5.png
Four images, one for each of the playoff spots that will not be going to Baylor this season :P

[FaninAma]

Their OOC schedule is what has them where they are now. But if they win and #4 and #5 lose, who would jump them?

FSU would stay ahead of them because of their tougher schedule. If FSU loses they will still be 11-1. Then we'll see all the detractors of Baylor's schedule coming to the fore as well as those who will point out the Big 12 doesn't have a CCG.

[olevetonahill]

And Sicem is crying like "Neutral Field,Banner flying whorn" on facebook.

Fu*k Baylor. the suckassed wannabes!

[BoulderSooner79]

FSU would stay ahead of them because of their tougher schedule. If FSU loses they will still be 11-1. Then we'll see all the detractors of Baylor's schedule coming to the fore as well as those who will point out the Big 12 doesn't have a CCG.

I guess I don't see that happening. Has FSU beaten anyone that is currently ranked? Maybe Clemson. If they lose, they wouldn't even have conference champ to fall back on. IF BU wins, they will have ranked OU*,TCU and KSU on their belts along with co-champ title. I doubt we'll find out because I think GT is too one dimensional to beat them and just lost their only dangerous WR to make that worse. If FSU wins, I think they will re-leap frog TCU (frogs, heh) into #3.

At least this weekend has potential for intrigue.

*yes, I'm assuming we beat the Pokes

[8timechamps]

The committee is worse than the BCS.

I continue to use Auburn as an example of the failure this group has produced. Auburn at 9-4 is still ahead of OU at 8-3. I know Auburn beat KSU (who is ranked), but they're sure putting a lot on that one win....in the meantime, they punish FSU, who has done nothing but win. There is no real method to what they're doing. What a joke.

[cvsooner]

With this system, admittedly, last year Alabama might have trumped Auburn by getting to the NCG even tho they lost in the Iron Bowl. I dunno.

I think it's ultimately still a lot of a popularity contest, and likes and dislikes, and outside of SicEm, nobody likes Baylor.

[BoulderSooner79]

The committee is worse than the BCS.

I continue to use Auburn as an example of the failure this group has produced. Auburn at 9-4 is still ahead of OU at 8-3. I know Auburn beat KSU (who is ranked), but they're sure putting a lot on that one win....in the meantime, they punish FSU, who has done nothing but win. There is no real method to what they're doing. What a joke.

I agree Auburn has been an outlier, but that is not enough to dismiss the whole system. I certainly expected some outliers with it being more likely at lower rankings such as where Auburn is now. If there is any method to read into their rankings is that they are weighting quality wins higher and losses lower than what the BCS did. FSU's ranking certainly points in that direction. I guess we'll see if that observation is correct next week. If FSU beats GT, I would expect them to move to #3 having snagged their highest quality win along with an outright conference title. TCU cannot help themselves any further. If there are no upsets and the order stays as is, then I'll agree there is a big problem here. FSU should not have to play Bama in the 1st round on a not completely neutral Sugar bowl site.

[cvsooner]

On the other hand, it's easier for FSU fans to drive to the Sugar Bowl than it is to jet across the country to the Rose Bowl. We may be seeing some jockeying of spots to get better attendance at games. TCU fans are just excited to go anyplace. Oregon fans will certainly go to the Rose Bowl. Alabama will love being in the Sugar Bowl, and I think there's probably also a little 'somebody has to play Alabama at some point' and we didn't get to see it happen last year between FSU and Bama. The committee is not some especially wise group of people--ultimately they're fans, some of whom admittedly have more vested interests than we do (hello? a current AD from a Big 12 school?), but those four teams should make for pretty good games.

[BoulderSooner79]

On the other hand, it's easier for FSU fans to drive to the Sugar Bowl than it is to jet across the country to the Rose Bowl. We may be seeing some jockeying of spots to get better attendance at games. TCU fans are just excited to go anyplace. Oregon fans will certainly go to the Rose Bowl. Alabama will love being in the Sugar Bowl, and I think there's probably also a little 'somebody has to play Alabama at some point' and we didn't get to see it happen last year between FSU and Bama. The committee is not some especially wise group of people--ultimately they're fans, some of whom admittedly have more vested interests than we do (hello? a current AD from a Big 12 school?), but those four teams should make for pretty good games.

All valid points and they could well be thinking about location more than power ranking when doing specific slots.

[TAFBSooner]

With this system, admittedly, last year Alabama might have trumped Auburn by getting to the NCG even tho they lost in the Iron Bowl. I dunno.

I think it's ultimately still a lot of a popularity contest, and likes and dislikes, and outside of people that "don't like to dance anyway," nobody likes Baylor.

FIFY.

Even if they're allowed to dance now.

[TAFBSooner]

Bama will stay in top four if they lose because SECede-luv.
If there are multiple upsets, FSU will stay in top four even with one loss.
If you somehow wanted BU to be in top four, best bet is to root against Oregon and tOSU.

Question is, it it better for OU if two Big XII teams are in playoffs, because it leads to a better reputation for the conference, or worse because it leads to better recruiting for TCU/BU at OUr expense?

[cvsooner]

I suppose if Bailiff and TCU both make it in, we have the satisfaction of knowing two of our losses came to final four finalists. Conceivably they could play each other if that were the case. Argh.

[8timechamps]

Bama will stay in top four if they lose because SECede-luv.
If there are multiple upsets, FSU will stay in top four even with one loss.
If you somehow wanted BU to be in top four, best bet is to root against Oregon and tOSU.

Question is, it it better for OU if two Big XII teams are in playoffs, because it leads to a better reputation for the conference, or worse because it leads to better recruiting for TCU/BU at OUr expense?

The committee would kick FSU out of the top 4 in a heartbeat if they were to lose to G'Tech. That would actually solve a lot of issues, because then one school from the other conferences could be included. Let's face it, the ACC shouldn't be considered a "Power" conference. FSU is about the only thing they have (and I suppose Clemson too).

Just having a team from the Big XII included is good for OU. It sets a precedent, for a team from a conference that doesn't have a CCG, to be included. I guarantee you if OU had just one loss, there would be no question about us being in the top 4. TCU and Baylor just don't have enough brand power to make them automatic with one loss.

[BoulderSooner79]

The committee would kick FSU out of the top 4 in a heartbeat if they were to lose to G'Tech. That would actually solve a lot of issues, because then one school from the other conferences could be included. Let's face it, the ACC shouldn't be considered a "Power" conference. FSU is about the only thing they have (and I suppose Clemson too).

Just having a team from the Big XII included is good for OU. It sets a precedent, for a team from a conference that doesn't have a CCG, to be included. I guarantee you if OU had just one loss, there would be no question about us being in the top 4. TCU and Baylor just don't have enough brand power to make them automatic with one loss.

That's the way I see it too. FSU is where they are due to lack of quality wins. The ND was supposed to be a huge OOC game, but that luster has faded leaving only a barely above average Clemson. FSU should be very safe with a win over GT, but out of there with a loss. Bama is the only team that could weather a loss and stay in the CFP and that's not guaranteed. I don't see the Ducks weathering a 2nd loss the UA and of course, TCU can't lose to ISU.

[Eielson]

Oregon punched the first ticket to the CFP.

Man, I would sure love for a Big XII-style team ruin another Saban season. I don't see it happening, though.

[Blue]

"Theres only One Champion..."

Been hearing it all year from the Big 12 commercials. That would be Baylor

Otherwise is a fraud. But we all know it always is.

[OUinFLA]

Go ahead and give the Big 12 Championship to Baylor.

Let TCU go to the CFP.

It wont be the first time a team played in the championship game without winning the conference.
*cough* 2003 *cough*

[Since71ASooner4Life]

but dropping them to #4 would pair them against Bama in the the first round

Perfect - that team has the physical freaks that can give the rapist the pounding he desperately needs

[BoulderSooner79]

Perfect - that team has the physical freaks that can give the rapist the pounding he desperately needs

Can't argue with that.

[Eielson]

I'm just going to call this right now...

tOSU continues it's epic beatdown of Wiscy
FSU wins a close one against GT

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. TCU/Baylor
4. tOSU

FSU gets left out. I know you guys think it would be hilarious for FSU to get left out...and it would...but this would be awful. We'd be on a collision course for 8 team playoffs ASAP.

[BoulderSooner79]

I'm just going to call this right now...

tOSU continues it's epic beatdown of Wiscy
FSU wins a close one against GT

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. TCU/Baylor
4. tOSU

FSU gets left out. I know you guys think it would be hilarious for FSU to get left out...and it would...but this would be awful. We'd be on a collision course for 8 team playoffs ASAP.

I don't believe it would happen, but yes, I would LMAO. And if we had an 8 team playoff, we wouldn't be in. But if we had a 16 team playoff, we wouldn't be in. But if we had a 32 team playoff… ?

[Eielson]

I don't believe it would happen, but yes, I would LMAO. And if we had an 8 team playoff, we wouldn't be in. But if we had a 16 team playoff, we wouldn't be in. But if we had a 32 team playoff… ?

Honestly, I think people are going to scream for 8 teams regardless of what happens here. I think tOSU is more deserving of getting in than Baylor/TCU, but the Big XII would be pissed about not getting a representative. If tOSU doesn't get in, the Big 10 would be rightfully pissed about not getting their representative. Pac-12 and SEC will get their teams in, but they'd be rightfully pissed if they didn't.

So I guess the only hope for us anti-8 teamers is for FSU to lose here, and make this simple (minus the Baylor/TCU headache).

[tooslow]

My gut says the following will be the playoff teams:

1. Bama
2. Oregon
3. FSU
4. Ohio State

FSU and OSU could be switched. I think the Big XII gets hosed in favor of teams that will have more eyeballs watching the playoffs. It also allows the committee to not have to explain why they ignored a head to head result in picking a team for the top 4. As an outsider, I think TCU is the better team on a neutral field. However, I also think Baylor is getting shafted by virtue of the head to head. If I were a voter, here's my ballot:
1. Bama
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. FSU (all they've done is keep winning, albeit they havn't been impressive)

[SoonerMarkVA]

I'm just going to call this right now...

tOSU continues it's epic beatdown of Wiscy
FSU wins a close one against GT

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. TCU/Baylor
4. tOSU

FSU gets left out. I know you guys think it would be hilarious for FSU to get left out...and it would...but this would be awful. We'd be on a collision course for 8 team playoffs ASAP.

No way. The XII is going to take a kick in the nuts on this one, thanks to darling tOSU spanking the living crap out of Wisky in their glorious CCG. I just don't see any way the committee drops undefeated FSU out, and tOSU, right now, is just too sexy for the committee to resist.

[OUinFLA]

I think the Big XII will get hosed this year
tOSU is every ones darling tonight

[BoulderSooner79]

My gut says the following will be the playoff teams:

1. Bama
2. Oregon
3. FSU
4. Ohio State

FSU and OSU could be switched. I think the Big XII gets hosed in favor of teams that will have more eyeballs watching the playoffs. It also allows the committee to not have to explain why they ignored a head to head result in picking a team for the top 4.

It wouldn't surprise me, but it's only 12 people that matter and not all the talking heads discussing it now. And those folks have been watching every game of the top team for weeks, not just tuning in lately. As predicted as soon as this format was announced, there are going to be 2 really butthurt teams out there tomorrow.

[soonercastor]

This is going to be such a cluster****, I love it.

[BoulderSooner79]

This is going to be such a cluster****, I love it.

Schadenfreude Über alles. Not much left to enjoy this season other than the wails of the butthurt fans tomorrow.

[BlownGP]

You know, you guys might be right. I could see the Big 12 getting screwed with how Ohio State played tonight.

To be honest though. I'm really not sure who is better. TCU or Baylor. I think either one could beat the top 4/5 teams.

[SoonerMarkVA]

No way. The XII is going to take a kick in the nuts on this one, thanks to darling tOSU spanking the living crap out of Wisky in their glorious CCG. I just don't see any way the committee drops undefeated FSU out, and tOSU, right now, is just too sexy for the committee to resist.

Well, there it is. One kick for each nut:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11992914/

[BoulderSooner79]

And honestly, when I look at teams that made it, I see they have studs all over the field. I don't see that when I watch Baylor and TCU (sure, they have a few). The only team that made it that looks more like a big12 team is Oregon and they have a great QB, to make up the difference.

Just having great athletes at most positions doesn't make a great team, (Miami continues to put many players into the NFL while fielding a mediocre team), but it's a great foundation to build on.