Tuesday night marked a significant moment in the college football landscape as the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled. With the final Top 25 just around the corner, the conversation surrounding strength of schedule is heating up. Teams are eager to present their cases for inclusion in the playoff field, and every detail counts.
Understanding Strength of Schedule
Strength of schedule is a critical factor in the College Football Playoff selection process. While committee chairman Warde Manuel emphasized that it’s not the sole metric for rankings, it plays a vital role in distinguishing teams that have similar records. This becomes especially important when teams don’t have common opponents to compare.
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) offers a way to assess the strength of each team’s schedule. Although the CFP relies on data from SportSource Analytics, that information remains behind closed doors. Consequently, ESPN’s FPI serves as a valuable tool for gauging the caliber of opponents faced by teams as Championship Week approaches.
Teams on the Rise
As the rankings unfold, several teams are making headlines. Arizona State, currently ranked No. 15, has been one of the biggest risers in the playoff rankings. With a win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship, the Sun Devils could secure a coveted spot in the playoff field.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 15
Games Remaining: Iowa State (Big 12 Championship)
Meanwhile, UNLV is making waves at No. 20. If the Rebels can clinch a victory in the Mountain West title game this Saturday, they could complicate the playoff picture for the committee as they evaluate the fifth-highest ranked conference champion.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 20
Games Remaining: Boise State (Mountain West Championship)
Notable Rankings and Matchups
As we dive deeper into the rankings, let’s take a look at some teams that are currently positioned for playoff contention. Oregon, the last remaining undefeated team, sits at the top of the rankings at No. 1. The Ducks are set to face Penn State in the Big Ten Championship, where a victory will solidify their No. 1 seed.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 1
Games Remaining: Penn State (Big Ten Championship)
On the other hand, Indiana has had a rollercoaster season. Despite a recent loss to Ohio State, the Hoosiers remain in the Top 10 at No. 9, thanks in part to their strength of schedule, which ranks No. 65 according to ESPN’s FPI.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 9
Games Remaining: N/A
Teams with Challenging Schedules
As we analyze the strength of schedule, it’s clear that some teams have faced tougher opponents than others. Boise State, ranked No. 10, boasts an impressive 11-1 record, with their only loss coming against No. 1 Oregon. However, their strength of schedule ranks at No. 86, which could impact their playoff aspirations.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 10
Games Remaining: UNLV (Mountain West Championship)
Similarly, SMU is enjoying a strong first year in the ACC, currently sitting at No. 8. A win over Clemson in the conference championship could propel the Mustangs into the top tier of playoff contenders.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 8
Games Remaining: Clemson (ACC Championship)
Other Teams in the Mix
Several other teams are also making their mark. Army has fought back into the rankings at No. 24, preparing for a crucial matchup against Tulane in the American Athletic Conference Championship.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 24
Games Remaining: Tulane (AAC Championship)
Meanwhile, Syracuse recently played spoiler against Miami, securing a spot in the Top 25 at No. 22. Their impressive season under new head coach Fran Brown is a testament to their growth.
CFP Top 25 Ranking: No. 22
Games Remaining: N/A
Remaining CFP Teams’ Strength of Schedule
As we look at the remaining teams in the playoff picture, here’s a snapshot of their strength of schedule:
Miami | SOS: 55 | CFP Ranking: No. 12
Clemson | SOS: 53 | CFP Ranking: No. 17
BYU | SOS: 44 | CFP Ranking: No. 18
Penn State | SOS: 36 | CFP Ranking: No. 3
Texas | SOS: 32 | CFP Ranking: No. 2
Ole Miss | SOS: 31 | CFP Ranking: No. 13
Illinois | SOS: 30 | CFP Ranking: No. 21
Tennessee | SOS: 28 | CFP Ranking: No. 7
Missouri | SOS: 27 | CFP Ranking: No. 19
Ohio State | SOS: 26 | CFP Ranking: No. 6
Alabama | SOS: 17 | CFP Ranking: No. 11
South Carolina | SOS: 15 | CFP Ranking: No. 14
Georgia | SOS: 3 | CFP Ranking: No. 5
As we gear up for Championship Week, every game matters. Teams are not just playing for wins; they’re vying for a chance to etch their names in college football history. The excitement is palpable, and fans can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds!
