An Ohio State win over a conference foe no more important than other teams defeating non Power 5 opponents.
The College Football Playoff rankings have Ohio State No. 9 again this week. In fact, the top 12 teams remain the same with the exception of Clemson and Miami switching spots.
Two highly ranked teams played FCS schools and another played a weak non-conference team last weekend. So much for strength of schedule impacting the rankings.
Clemson smoked The Citadel 61-3 which caused the Bulldogs to fall to 5-6. Alabama defeated the Mercer Bears 56-0 who also finished their season at 5-6. Obviously neither of those teams made the FCS playoffs.
Auburn played an out of conference FBS team that may have just as well have been an FCS school. The Tigers pummeled the 4-7 Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 42-14.
It was probably just a coincidence these games were scheduled the week before the Iron Bowl and Clemson’s rivalry game vs. South Carolina.
Every top football program schedules cup cake games in September, but late season games against non Power 5 teams should be considered a bye and not a win by the Playoff Committee. And a game against an FCS team should be considered as such at any point during the season.
Apparently that’s not the case at the moment as the SEC and ACC each have two teams ranked in the top six this week.
That’s my weekly rant concerning the CFP rankings, so now let’s take a look at the Top 25 teams.
More from Scarlet and Game
- Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season
- Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes conference schedule is set
- Ohio State Football rolling into form at the perfect time
- How Ohio State football has done historically versus new Big 12
- Ohio State Football: We need to see “Killer Ryan Day” at South Bend
Next: Could demons return vs. Michigan on Saturday?
This week the playoff picture should get interesting once again and you can expect a shake-up among teams ranked near the top. All are playing Power 5 teams, even those in the SEC and ACC.