Tuesday night brought a wave of excitement and controversy as the College Football Playoff’s penultimate Top 25 ranking was unveiled. In a move that sparked heated discussions across social media, a three-loss Alabama team edged out a two-loss Miami for what many believe is the final at-large bid in the upcoming 12-team playoff. Fans and analysts alike were quick to express their displeasure with the decision.
The discontent surrounding the rankings
“Things never change,” lamented CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell on X/Twitter, echoing the sentiments of many who felt that the decision favored established programs over merit. The underlying message was clear: Alabama’s storied history in college football, shaped by its dominance under former head coach Nick Saban, seemed to weigh heavily in the committee’s decision-making process. Meanwhile, Miami’s recent performance, including a disappointing Week 14 loss to Syracuse that caused them to drop six spots, left many questioning their exclusion.
Greg Sankey’s defense of the committee
In response to the backlash, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey defended the committee’s choices, emphasizing that the selections were based on performance, not just brand recognition. “Are you watching the football games?” Sankey challenged critics during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. He highlighted that the committee engages in thorough analysis, noting that two other SEC teams, No. 13 Ole Miss and No. 14 South Carolina, also deserve consideration.
Sankey further elaborated, stating, “This isn’t about our brand; this is about our football. It’s about what happens on the field.” He asserted that the committee’s decisions are rooted in the actual performances of the teams, rather than their historical reputations.
The criteria behind the decisions
CFP committee chairman Warde Manuel, who also serves as the athletic director at Michigan, provided insight into the decision-making process. He pointed out that Alabama boasts a 3-1 record against current Top 25 teams, while Miami stands at 0-1 in that same category. Additionally, Alabama’s record against teams with a .500 or better winning percentage is an impressive 6-1, compared to Miami’s 4-2 record.
Manuel emphasized that the committee’s criteria go beyond just the number of losses. “This isn’t about two losses vs. three losses,” he explained. “The criteria has other specific issues, and being undefeated or having one less loss than another team isn’t necessarily the deciding factor.” This clarification aims to shift the focus from brand loyalty to actual game performance.
Paul Finebaum weighs in
As the rankings were revealed, Paul Finebaum was among those watching closely. The SEC Network host was not surprised by the committee’s decision to place Alabama ahead of Miami. “I believe it was the right choice,” Finebaum stated on ESPN’s Get Up. He echoed Manuel’s sentiments, asserting that Alabama’s resume against quality opponents was superior, while Miami’s late-season struggles ultimately led to their downfall.
Finebaum added, “I’m sure people across the country, especially in South Florida, are screaming about that right now. But ultimately, Miami did themselves in at the very end.” This statement reflects the frustration felt by many Miami fans who believe their team deserved a better ranking.
The future of the playoff
As the College Football Playoff landscape continues to evolve, the debate surrounding rankings and selection criteria is sure to intensify. With the introduction of a 12-team playoff format on the horizon, questions about fairness and meritocracy will remain at the forefront of discussions among fans, analysts, and officials alike.
Will the new format bring more transparency and equity to the selection process? Or will the influence of brand recognition continue to overshadow the performances of deserving teams? As college football fans, we are left to ponder these questions while eagerly awaiting the playoff matchups.
The passionate discourse surrounding Alabama and Miami’s rankings serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions and rivalries that make college football so captivating. As we move closer to the playoff, one thing is certain: the excitement, the debates, and the love for the game will only grow stronger.
