Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich is in disbelief over the College Football Playoff rankings, particularly how Alabama managed to secure a playoff spot over the Hurricanes. After a mixed bag of results—two wins against Auburn and Mercer, and a loss to Oklahoma—Radakovich questions the logic behind the selection committee’s decision. “Really??….what put Bama over the top of Miami for the last spot in is that Miami went 1-2 in their last 3 games (by an average of 4.5 pts, to a ranked Syracuse and GT team that just took UGA to 8OT). Bama went 2-1 (to 5-7 Auburn, destroyed by OU, and beat FCS Mercer),” he expressed on December 3.
Understanding the Selection Criteria
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee, led by chairman Warde Manuel, has a challenging job. They must evaluate teams based on their entire season’s performance, not just recent games. Manuel explained the rationale behind the rankings during the ESPN reveal show. “What it came down to is as we evaluated both teams and looked at how they rank, obviously we think highly of both teams,” he stated. “One’s at 11, one’s at 12. But what it really came down to is Alabama is 3-1 against current top 25 teams and Miami is 0-1. Alabama is 6-1 against teams above .500 and Miami’s 4-2.”
It’s clear that the committee values strength of schedule and quality wins. While both teams have faced their share of challenges, Alabama’s record against ranked opponents and teams with winning records gave them the edge. Miami’s recent struggles, losing two of their last three games, certainly did not help their case.
The Impact of Recent Games
The last few games of the season can make or break a team’s playoff hopes. Miami’s recent performance, particularly their losses, weighed heavily in the committee’s decision. They lost to ranked Syracuse and Georgia Tech, both of which were tough contests. In contrast, Alabama’s victories, even against lower-ranked teams, contributed to their overall standing.
As Radakovich pointed out, Miami’s 1-2 record in their last three games contrasted sharply with Alabama’s 2-1 record. The average margin of defeat for Miami was just 4.5 points, indicating they were competitive. But in the eyes of the committee, that wasn’t enough to outweigh Alabama’s overall performance throughout the season.
Alabama’s Playoff Prospects
Despite the controversy, it seems Alabama is almost certainly headed to the College Football Playoff. As Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham Lede noted, Alabama’s position is secure regardless of the outcome of the upcoming ACC Championship Game between Clemson and SMU. “Starting to believe that CFB Playoff chairman Warde Manuel just told us Alabama is in the playoff regardless of what happens in the ACC Championship Game,” Scarbinsky wrote.
This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of how the committee operates. If the same criteria that placed 9-3 Alabama over 10-2 Miami are applied, it stands to reason that Alabama would remain ahead of an 11-2 SMU, should they win the ACC Championship.
The Role of Rivalries and Other Teams
Interestingly, the Iron Bowl didn’t seal the deal for Alabama’s playoff bid. Instead, it was the unexpected success of South Carolina that helped elevate Alabama’s standing. The Gamecocks’ win over Clemson added credibility to Alabama’s earlier victory against them. If SMU were to replicate South Carolina’s success against Clemson, it could further solidify Alabama’s playoff position.
The dynamics of college football are fascinating, especially when rivalries and unexpected outcomes come into play. Schools from the Palmetto State have significantly influenced the CFP rankings, and it’s intriguing to see how these matchups can shift the narrative.
Looking Ahead
As the College Football Playoff approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Teams are vying for their chance to compete for the national championship, and every game counts. For Miami, the disappointment of being left out of the playoff picture is palpable. They’ll need to regroup and focus on future seasons, learning from this experience.
Meanwhile, Alabama fans are gearing up for another playoff run, fueled by the debate and controversy surrounding their selection. The Crimson Tide have a rich history in college football, and their ability to navigate the challenges of the season keeps them in the conversation.
In the end, college football is about passion, rivalry, and the thrill of competition. As we look forward to the playoffs, one thing is clear: every game matters, and the drama is far from over. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? Only time will tell, but the excitement is undeniable.
