CFP Rankings: 3 questions for the committee before initial rankings

By Kelvin Hunt | Oct 31, 2023

Oct 28, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles cheerleaders run with their mascot flags after a score against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Does Strength of Schedule Matter?

What criteria will the committee use to rank the top teams in the College Football Playoff? It should be composed of teams that play well in all three phases while playing against other good teams. If a team has beaten higher-ranked teams, should that account for something?

In that case, Ohio State and FSU have the best resumes in college football. Michigan hasn’t beaten any teams ranked in the F+ top 50.

Georgia hasn’t beaten any teams ranked in the F+ top 40. FSU football is the only team ranked in the top 15 in all three phases (offense, defense, and special teams).

Aside from these four teams, Washington is the only remaining undefeated Power 5 team, but they’ve struggled against lesser competition the last couple of weeks after narrowly edging a good Oregon team.

If the committee considers the strength of the schedule, why does it feel like everyone tries to discredit FSU’s schedule?

If it’s because they play in the ACC, the ACC has a winning record against the SEC (4-2) and B1G (4-3) this season.

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