The selection committee for the College Football Playoff has set the stage for a wild final weekend of the regular season schedule.
No, we’re not talking about SMU vs. UConn.
When the penultimate rankings were released Tuesday night, undefeated Florida State – the defending national champion – had fallen from No. 3 to No.4 and TCU jumped into the playoff picture by leaping over the Seminoles from No. 5 to No. 3 after a 48-10 victory over Texas.
It’s safe to say no one saw that coming.
Alabama (11-1) checked in at No. 1 heading into Saturday’s SEC championship game against Missouri. No. 2 Oregon (11-1) plays No. 7 Arizona in the Pac-12 title game Friday night. TCU (11-1) has become the surprise candidate and will play Iowa State in a non-championship game in the Big 12. Florida State (12-0) takes on Georgia Tech in the ACC championship game.
It appears the committee is skeptical about the close calls Florida State has had throughout the season. Last week the Seminoles fell behind Florida but fought back to win, a pattern that has been consistent for the Seminoles this season. But, on the other hand, the committee has been attracted to TCU’s intriguing season.
The fact that TCU barely escaped Kansas 34-30 on Nov. 15 has not impacted the Horned Frogs. TCU’s only loss this seaston was a 61-58 setback to Baylor on Oct. 11. It all seems a little strange, but the final poll will be announced Sunday (12:30 p.m., ESPN) after the games are complete.
Baylor is sixth in the committee rankings. Ohio State is No. 5 and plays Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. The Buckeyes will be without starting quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Speak Your Mind