Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Commissioner Jim Phillips is seeking clarity regarding the placement of two-loss Miami below three-loss Alabama in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. Meanwhile, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark argues that his conference champion deserves an automatic first-round bye rather than a team from the Group of Five. As the Mountain West Conference prepares for potential participation in the playoffs, Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expresses concern about larger conferences securing guaranteed spots.
These discussions highlight the competitive landscape as Big Ten and Southeastern conferences position themselves as leading powers in college football, often overshadowing smaller leagues that strive to maintain relevance and opportunity. This dynamic is particularly evident as teams prepare for the unveiling of the new 12-team playoff format.
Phillips emphasized the need for the committee’s decisions to be rooted in facts rather than perceptions about conference affiliations or geographical considerations. He stressed that the evaluation should focus on a team’s performance, asking, “What have you done? Who did you lose to and who did you beat?” He believes that historical performance or name recognition should not sway committee decisions.
Conference championship games are approaching, with the Power Four leagues competing on Saturday and Group of Five leagues, including the American Athletic Conference, Conference-USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, and Sun Belt, battling for their spots on Friday and Saturday. The top five highest-ranked champions are guaranteed automatic bids, with the top four earning first-round byes.
This competitive context raises questions about how many bids the ACC might receive, especially after Florida State was excluded from the playoff last year despite being undefeated. Currently, eighth-ranked SMU is in contention after going unbeaten in its conference, but No. 14 Miami’s recent loss has put its playoff prospects in jeopardy. The Hurricanes are now behind Alabama, falling six spots even after their close defeat.
A victory by SMU in their title game could mean only one bid for the ACC or an opportunity for Miami, depending on how the games play out. Coach Rhett Lashlee remarked on the importance of the championship game, asserting their place in the playoff race should not be compromised.
Phillips expressed concern regarding the CFP committee’s rationale, particularly pointing out that Miami’s recent losses are being viewed differently compared to Alabama’s. He noted that Miami’s other defeat occurred against a strong Georgia Tech team, while Alabama’s latest results include a loss to a team with a subpar record. Additionally, Phillips criticized the lack of fresh evaluation for idle teams within the committee’s rankings, advocating for more clarity and transparency in the decision-making process.
Nevarez is in a favorable position this year, with her league potentially securing a place in the playoff. The upcoming title game between Boise State and UNLV has significant implications. A win for Boise State could grant them a bye round, impacting the playoff picture further. Nevarez acknowledged the unpredictable nature of college football, understanding that rankings can fluctuate significantly each season.
There have also been discussions about the possibility of guaranteeing a specific number of playoff bids for the Power Four leagues, but Nevarez has voiced her opposition, asserting that unpredictable elements make each season distinct. She believes it is essential for teams to build compelling resumes through their performance and scheduling rather than relying on arbitrary systems.
Overall, the conversations surrounding playoff selections remain dynamic and filled with contention as conferences navigate their positions and value in the burgeoning college football landscape.
