As the season winds down, the actions ratchets up and we’re back to let you know where the CFP Committee got it wrong for week #2. Just like last week, we’ll discuss the Top 4, Too High/Too Low, and what it means for Mississippi State. First, let’s take a look at this week’s rankings.
- Clemson (9-0)
- Alabama (8-1)
- Ohio State (9-0)
- Notre Dame (8-1)
- Iowa (9-0)
- Baylor (8-0)
- Stanford (8-1)
- Oklahoma State (9-0)
- LSU (7-1)
- Utah (8-1)
- Florida (8-1)
- Oklahoma (8-1)
- Michigan State (8-1)
- Michigan (7-2)
- TCU (8-1)
- Florida State (7-2)
- Mississippi State (7-2)
- Northwestern (7-2)
- UCLA (7-2)
- Navy (7-1)
- Memphis (8-1)
- Temple (8-1)
- North Carolina (8-1)
- Houston (9-0)
- Wisconsin (8-2)
Top 4
After #1 Clemson took down Florida State last week, there was little doubt they would stay the nation’s top team. The Tigers have paved their way to the Playoff as long as they can navigate a less than treacherous remaining 3 games. Alabama climbs to #2 after their submission of LSU and now travel to Starkville for a game with Mississippi State Saturday night. Ohio State remains at #3 but will have to face 2 ranked teams to end the season with Michigan State and Michigan. With LSU’s loss. Notre Dame slides in to the #4 spot and as long as they beat Stanford to end the season will be in the Playoff.
Too High
(5) Iowa– I know I said this last week, but I’m amazed that the committee values the Hawkeyes so much. Iowa was #9 last week, went on the road and struggled at Indiana and moved up 4 spots. This is absurd and crazy that they are ranked ahead of Oklahoma State who destroyed a good TCU team on Saturday.
Too Low
(8) Oklahoma State– The Cowboys were very impressive in their home win over TCU last Saturday. They remained undefeated and quite frankly deserve to be higher than Iowa. It’s well known I’m a Hawkeye hater but Oklahoma State had a chance to show they were legit on the field and they came through. The Cowboys should be higher than #8.
What it Means for Mississippi State
Following their win on the road at Missouri, Mississippi State jumped up 3 spots to #17 in this week’s poll. This week’s opponent, Alabama slid up to #2 setting up a top 20 showdown in Starkville this Saturday. A win over the Crimson Tide would put Mississippi State nearing the top 10 in the polls with a very good shot at a New Year’s Six Bowl. It’s a huge opportunity for the Bulldogs this weekend to put themselves back in the West race and a chance for Dak Prescott to throw his name in the Heisman talk.
Did the Committee Get it Right?
Through 2 weeks, I think the committee got it right (for the most part). Iowa is in far too great of shape for the games they have played and Oklahoma State is far too low considering the win they had last week. The committee got the top 4 right this week so I’ll say they got it right, but if Iowa is in the main discussion next week, I’ll have to change my opinion.