Are the College Football Playoff rankings fair, or just a popularity contest? Oklahoma fans are buzzing after the latest CFP rankings placed the Sooners at No. 8, a significant jump after their stunning victory over Alabama. But is it enough? And more importantly, can they hold onto that spot?
Following their impressive win in Tuscaloosa against then-No. 4 Alabama, Oklahoma soared three spots in the rankings, released Tuesday. This victory wasn't just any win; it marked their fifth triumph against a ranked opponent this season, a testament to their grit and determination. This places them firmly inside the Top 10, giving them a significant degree of control over their own destiny.
Here's the exciting part: if the Sooners can conquer their final two home games against Missouri and LSU, they're virtually guaranteed a spot in the playoff field. And the cherry on top? They'd likely host a first-round playoff game right there in Norman, a dream scenario for Sooner Nation. Hypothetically, if the playoffs were held today, Oklahoma would welcome No. 9 Notre Dame to their home turf.
But here's where it gets controversial... the path to the playoffs isn't paved with roses. A single slip-up could derail everything. According to ESPN, losing either of their remaining games drastically reduces their playoff chances, plummeting to a mere 16%. Even with an 8-2 record (4-2 in the SEC) and a resume boasting impressive wins against a challenging schedule, a third loss would severely diminish their hopes of competing for the national championship. That is a huge drop, and a scary thought for those hoping to see OU in the playoffs.
And this is the part most people miss: the subjective nature of the CFP selection process. When questioned about the playoff rankings and the CFP Committee's evaluation criteria, OU coach Brent Venables offered a pragmatic perspective. He emphasized that the Sooners' primary focus remains on winning each game, rather than getting caught up in external opinions or rankings.
"I really can’t answer that because everybody’s gonna have their opinion," Venables stated. "For me, it’s a waste of time. It’ll be whatever it is without my opinion. My focus is on what’s in front of us right now. That’s a space that’s messy when you start putting things out there. I don’t even know what their metrics are. I don’t even know what our strength of schedule is. I know it’s been hard. It’s been tough, but there’s plenty of teams that’ve had a challenging schedule."
Venables continued, highlighting the inherent subjectivity of the process: "So if they look (our resume) and they’re impressed and they want to quantify it as they compare things, great. I don’t think there’s a rhyme or reason. I’m sure there’s a fanbase or two that’s up in arms after each week’s rankings. It’s an emotional space that I just kind of stay out of.”
Essentially, Coach Venables is saying that trying to decipher the CFP committee's thought process is a fruitless endeavor. He acknowledges that fanbases will inevitably be upset with the rankings each week, and he chooses to focus on what he can control: his team's performance on the field.
The Sooners will be back in action this weekend, facing off against Missouri (11 a.m. CT Saturday, ABC). This game is crucial, not just for maintaining their playoff hopes, but also for momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
So, what do you think? Does Oklahoma deserve their No. 8 ranking? Are the CFP rankings a fair reflection of team performance, or are they influenced by other factors like media hype and conference affiliation? And most importantly, can the Sooners win out and secure their spot in the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
