Week 11 Anger Index: BYU and Miami Fume Over CFP Rankings

The College Football Playoff Committee's First Rankings Spark Controversy

The College Football Playoff committee has released its first top 25 ranking of the season, a moment that is often compared to Walmart opening its doors at midnight on Black Friday. This year, the rankings have already sparked a lot of debate, with some teams feeling they've been unfairly treated. As the season progresses, the rankings are expected to become even more contentious.

New Metrics and Old Frustrations

This year, the committee has introduced a new "record strength" metric, which is meant to provide more objective guidance in the selection process. However, this change hasn't necessarily made things easier for the committee. With only eight teams in the country having beaten more than one of the current top 25 teams, it's clear that the season has been filled with chaos and few dominant performances.

Several ranked teams, including Utah, Iowa, Oregon, Pitt, Washington, Missouri, and Tennessee, are 0-12 against other top 25 teams. The ACC doesn't have a team ranked higher than 14th, and the Group of 5 doesn't have any representation at all. These rankings are less about securing a spot in the top 12 and more about being in the top 10.

Teams That Are Already Angry

Despite the uncertainty, some schools have already expressed frustration with the rankings.

1. BYU Cougars (8-0, No. 7)

BYU's performance last year was overshadowed by the controversy around the final playoff rankings. Despite a 10-2 record and two close losses to solid teams, the Cougars were ranked behind three SEC teams with a loss. This year, their résumé looks similar to Ohio State's, yet they are still ranked lower. With an upcoming showdown against Texas Tech, the committee may be avoiding tough decisions on BYU for now.

2. Louisville Cardinals (7-1, No. 15)

Louisville's ranking seems to be based on association rather than merit. Their résumé includes three wins over SP+ top-40 opponents, a better loss than several ranked teams, and a double-overtime game where they outgained their opponent by 150 yards. Despite this, they are ranked eight spots below another two-loss team they beat head-to-head.

3. Miami Hurricanes (6-2, No. 18)

Miami's two recent losses have led many to write them off, but the committee's evaluation process should not be influenced by timing or future assumptions. Despite four wins over FPI top-35 teams and a head-to-head win over a ranked team, the Hurricanes are ranked much lower than other two-loss teams. Their potential for a strong finish makes their current ranking seem unjustified.

4. The Group of 5

The Group of 5 teams have also had reasons to be upset. While Memphis is leading the race for a playoff bid, their performance has been questionable. They lost to a UAB team and had just fired their coach. The committee's new "record strength" metric seems to have overlooked these poor performances, leaving the Group of 5 without any representation in the top 25.

5. The SEC

The SEC's presence in the bottom half of the rankings has raised concerns. The Big Ten teams ranked lower in the list have not earned their positions, and this could negatively impact teams like Oregon, which haven't beaten anyone of consequence. The committee's favoritism toward the Big Ten over the SEC has led to further frustration among fans.

Other Teams Feeling the Heat

Other teams have also voiced their frustrations. Virginia, USF, Arizona State, and Cincinnati are all unranked despite strong performances. Brian Kelly, the coach of the University of Cincinnati, is also angry for other reasons.

As the season moves into its final month, the committee's rankings will likely continue to spark debate. For now, the anger is simmering, waiting for the next round of controversial decisions.