The landscape of college football is ever-changing, especially as the AP Poll reflects the latest developments in this thrilling season. Two teams that once seemed poised to make a run for the College Football Playoff are now facing unexpected hurdles: the LSU Tigers and the Kansas State Wildcats. Both teams, once considered strong contenders, now find themselves on the outskirts of the playoff picture, raising questions about their paths forward.
LSU’s struggles in the SEC
After a rocky start to the season, LSU had shown promise with a six-game winning streak, including victories over ranked opponents like No. 23 South Carolina and No. 10 Ole Miss. However, the Tigers’ momentum took a hit with consecutive losses to No. 15 Texas A&M and No. 9 Alabama. With a current record of 2-2 against ranked teams, LSU’s chances of climbing the rankings are slim, especially with Vanderbilt being their most formidable opponent left on the schedule.
The reality is stark: a 9-3 record might be intriguing, but it likely won’t be enough to secure a playoff spot. According to ESPN’s FPI, LSU’s chances of making the playoffs sit at a mere 7.2%. This places them in a precarious position as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
Kansas State’s unexpected challenges
On the other hand, Kansas State entered the season with high hopes, but an early loss to unbeaten BYU set the tone for a tumultuous campaign. Despite this setback, the Wildcats managed to build a respectable Big 12 resume, highlighted by a road victory against now-No. 25 Tulane and a thrilling 31-28 win over No. 18 Colorado. However, a surprising defeat to unranked Houston has thrown Kansas State’s postseason aspirations into disarray.
Currently, Kansas State finds itself in a tight race within the Big 12, sitting at 4-2 in league play. With BYU undefeated at 6-0 and Colorado at 5-1, the Wildcats’ playoff hopes hinge on additional losses for Colorado. This scenario creates a complex web of possibilities, as Kansas State’s path to the playoffs may require a multi-team playoff scenario to unfold favorably.
Comparing resumes: Kansas State vs. LSU
So, why is Kansas State ranked ahead of LSU in the AP Poll? One key factor is their performance against ranked opponents. Kansas State boasts a 2-1 record against ranked teams, while LSU stands at 2-2. However, LSU’s notable victory over No. 10 Ole Miss gives them a slight edge in terms of quality wins. Kansas State’s top win remains against No. 18 Colorado, which raises questions about the strength of their schedule.
Looking ahead, Kansas State faces a challenging slate, including matchups against Arizona State and Iowa State, both of which present potential pitfalls. As it stands, neither team is projected to face another ranked opponent, which could impact their standings as the season progresses.
The playoff picture for both teams
As the playoff race intensifies, Kansas State’s chances of making the cut are not particularly rosy. ESPN’s FPI gives them just a 15.8% chance of reaching the playoff, nearly identical to their 14.6% probability of winning the Big 12. The reality is that the conference title may be the Wildcats’ only viable route to securing a playoff spot.
Conversely, LSU’s situation is equally grim. With their playoff chances dwindling, the Tigers must focus on finishing the season strong to maintain any hope of postseason play. The SEC is notoriously competitive, and with their recent losses, LSU’s window for opportunity is closing fast.
What does the future hold?
In the grand scheme of things, there may not be a significant difference between Kansas State and LSU at this point in the season. Both teams have faced adversity and are grappling with the implications of their recent performances. However, Kansas State’s bye week allowed them to regroup, while LSU suffered a tough loss to Alabama, which likely influenced their rankings.
As the season unfolds, fans are left to ponder the implications of these rankings. Should Kansas State be ranked ahead of LSU? The debate continues, with passionate opinions on both sides. The Wildcats’ recent performance may justify their higher standing, but the strength of LSU’s schedule and their past successes cannot be overlooked.
What do you think about the current rankings of LSU and Kansas State in the AP Poll? As the college football season continues to evolve, every game counts, and the race for the playoff is far from over. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
