The penultimate College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings have ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly over the positioning of the Ohio State Buckeyes following their stunning 13-10 loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Fans and analysts alike have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, accusing the committee of inconsistency and favoritism.
Ohio State’s Disappointing Loss
Entering the game as a 21-point favorite, Ohio State’s loss to Michigan marked a significant setback for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s team struggled on both sides of the ball, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, against a Michigan squad that came into the matchup with a modest 6-5 record.
The defeat was Ohio State’s fourth consecutive loss to their bitter rival, raising questions about the program’s ability to win in high-stakes games under Day. Despite this, the Buckeyes dropped just four spots in the CFP rankings, a decision that has left many fans and pundits baffled.
The Backlash
Social media erupted as soon as the rankings were announced, with numerous fans and reporters pointing out what they viewed as a glaring inconsistency in how teams are evaluated.
“I, for one, am shocked Tennessee is ranked behind Ohio State. Who could have seen that coming?” tweeted college football reporter Ari Wasserman with obvious sarcasm.
A Tennessee fan echoed the sentiment, saying, “Ohio State should not be ranked ahead of Tennessee. We didn’t lose to a 20-point underdog at home.”
Stewart Mandel, a veteran college football reporter, added his voice to the criticism: “Note that Miami dropped farther for losing on the road to an 8-3 team than Ohio State did for losing at home to a 6-5 team (and scoring 10 points).”
Comparing the Rankings
Critics have pointed to the perceived inconsistencies in how the committee ranks teams following losses. For example:
Georgia dropped nine spots earlier this season after losing on the road to a strong Ole Miss team.
Miami fell six spots after a narrow four-point loss to an 8-3 Syracuse squad on the road.
Ohio State, however, only dropped four spots after losing at home to a Michigan team with a losing record.
For many, this disparity has raised questions about the fairness of the ranking process.
The Impact on the Playoff Picture
As things stand, Ohio State occupies the No. 8 seed and would host No. 9 Tennessee in the first round of the playoffs if the current rankings hold. While some argue that Ohio State’s overall body of work justifies their position, others feel the committee’s leniency undermines the credibility of the playoff system.
The backlash reflects broader frustrations with the CFP committee’s lack of transparency and consistency. Fans of Tennessee, Miami, and other programs argue that their teams are being unfairly penalized for losses that are arguably less damaging than Ohio State’s recent defeat.
Did the Committee Get It Right?
The central question remains: Did the committee make the right call? Supporters of Ohio State’s ranking might point to their strong record prior to the Michigan game and their competitiveness in most matchups this season.
However, critics argue that the ranking sends a troubling message about accountability, particularly for teams that falter in high-profile games. For many fans, the decision to keep Ohio State at No. 8 despite their recent loss diminishes the significance of head-to-head matchups and performance against quality opponents.
Looking Ahead
As the final CFP rankings approach, the controversy surrounding Ohio State’s position is unlikely to subside. With potential shifts in the standings still possible, all eyes will be on the committee to see if they maintain their current stance or make adjustments based on upcoming results.
For now, the debate rages on, underscoring the passion and intensity that make college football one of the most hotly contested sports in the nation. Will the Buckeyes prove their critics wrong, or will their ranking be viewed as a blemish on the playoff process? Stay tuned.
