The second-to-last College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings have been released, and as expected, controversy surrounds the selection committee's decisions. Several teams have been snubbed, with some facing more egregious injustices than others. Here, we'll examine the five teams with the most to be upset about with this latest ranking, and why they have every right to be furious.
1. Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels, at 10-2, have been ranked 20th in the latest CFP standings. Considering their performances against high-ranking teams and their overall impressive season, this placing is more than a little mystifying. Should Ole Miss not be upset with this apparent disregard for their achievements? Maybe the CFP is expecting a flawless season, which is an unrealistic expectation, given that even the best teams can stumble occasionally.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Having overcome a tumultuous few years to emerge as a genuinely competitive force in college football, Miami's ranking of 22nd is nothing short of an insult. Based on their tenacity, coupled with substantial victories over notable opponents, it would seem like Miami should have been given a higher ranking than some of its contemporaries. Miami's sense of disaffection, however, remains justifiable since its more wins appear to be downplayed.
3. Oregon State Beavers
Among the unsung heroes of collegiate football, Oregon State University's valiant efforts should have earned a higher position in the CFP rankings. Boasting a remarkable ten-win season and respectable margin of victory, Oregon State proved their place among this year's more elite teams. However, their resulting CFP position of 16 barely acknowledges their hard-won achievements. While it wasn't the most lofty of positions to begin with, Oregon State has every right to question why their incredible run this season wasn't acknowledged by the selection committee.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
At 10-2 and ranked eighth in the latest CFP standings, Penn State may seem initially pleased with their current ranking. However, upon taking a closer look at their season performances, a glaring issue arises – their tough schedule and eventual victories over their Big Ten opponents being curiously overlooked in favor of some teams with arguably less impressive resumes.
5. Washington Huskies
Washington's exclusion from the higher rankings appears mind-boggling when we consider their current position – neither listed in nor hovering closely around the playoff conversation. Featuring ten victories in their season, having taken down two ranked opponents and maintained only two losses all year, Washington certainly have ample ground on which to base their disgruntlement. Expecting some, though not extravagant, recognition for such a momentous season appears sensible and justifiable.
It remains to be seen whether these misgivings about the CFP standings will significantly influence the selection process when the final installment of this season's CFP rankings is announced. Meanwhile, snubbed teams and concerned college football fans alike will undoubtedly be holding their breath in anticipation of critical decisions still to be made.