The first set of College Football Playoff rankings are set to be revealed during a show on ESPN on Tuesday night. Assembled by the playoff committee, the rankings will provide an in-season snapshot of where teams currently stand following Week 10’s action.
Indiana was a staple in last season’s rankings, ultimately receiving an at-large bid following the conclusion of the regular season. The Hoosiers will be in Tuesday’s rankings, the only question (sort of) being where exactly they’ll land.
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Here’s what we think:
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LCN: I expect Indiana to land right where it is in both major polls: 2nd. All of Ohio State, Indiana and Texas A&M are currently undefeated on the season, with Indiana probably owning the best win of the three, beating Oregon on the road at Autzen Stadium. I can see the argument for Indiana over Ohio State on those grounds but I think the committee, like poll voters, gives the Buckeyes the edge for that overwhelming defense. Ohio State entered the season with the two best players in football, Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, on the roster. Arvell Reese has emerged as one of the best defenders alongside Downs and Julian Sayin looks like one of the country’s top quarterbacks.
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Colin: I think everything said above is completely correct and the most rational explanation. However, we know that the CFP committee is not a body governed by rationality. Instead, it’s something of a black box seemingly governed by TV ratings, conference affiliations, and whatever the weather might be that day. For those reasons, I think they will put A&M above Indiana. I don’t think it’s right, but I think the “Indiana hasn’t played anyone/The Big Ten is bad” narratives will bump Indiana down a spot. It’s not fair, but it’s the world we live in.
