The unveiling of the inaugural 2024 College Football Playoff rankings has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with fans and pundits alike calling out the committee for perceived bias and head-scratching decisions. Chief among the complaints is the apparent favoritism shown towards the Big Ten conference and the disrespect handed to undefeated BYU.
Big Ten Bias Front and Center
The committee’s love affair with the Big Ten was on full display in the initial rankings, with four teams from the conference landing in the top eight. Perennial powerhouses Ohio State and Penn State were joined by upstart Indiana, leaving many scratching their heads. As one anonymous coach put it, “You’re telling me Indiana has a better resume than BYU or SMU? That’s just nonsense.”
Critics point to the Big Ten’s lackluster 6-8 record against the other Power Five conferences as evidence that the committee is overvaluing the league. “Just because they play each other tough doesn’t mean they’re elite,” argued a prominent college football analyst. “The committee seems to be ignoring the actual results on the field in favor of brand recognition.”
Ohio State Over Georgia: A Questionable Call
Perhaps the most egregious example of Big Ten bias came with Ohio State checking in at No. 2, ahead of undefeated Georgia. The Bulldogs have been dominant all season, while the Buckeyes narrowly escaped Boise State. As one SEC coach fumed, “It’s an absolute joke. Georgia would wipe the floor with Ohio State on a neutral field.”
“The committee’s love for the Big Ten defies logic and betrays their promise to value results and strength of schedule. It’s an insult to teams like Georgia and BYU who have done nothing but win.”
– Anonymous Power Five Athletic Director
BYU Snubbed Despite Perfect Record
While the Big Ten basks in the committee’s adoration, undefeated BYU is left on the outside looking in at No. 9. The Cougars boast a perfect 8-0 record, with quality wins over SMU and Kansas State, yet find themselves behind six one-loss teams, four of which hail from the Big Ten.
“It’s a complete lack of respect for what we’ve accomplished,” said BYU head coach Mike Tomlinson. “Eight games, eight wins, two against ranked teams. What more do they want from us? It feels like the committee is just finding excuses to keep us down.”
The snub could have far-reaching implications for BYU and the Big 12 as a whole. If the Cougars were to stumble, it’s entirely possible the conference could be shut out of the top four, leapfrogged by Boise State. “These early rankings set the tone,” warned a BYU insider. “If we’re not careful, we could be looking at a New Year’s Six bowl instead of a playoff spot.”
Outrage Extends Beyond BYU
The anger isn’t limited to Provo. SMU fans are up in arms over being ranked behind Notre Dame despite a better record and comparable schedule. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ dominant statistical profile seems to have been overlooked, with the Rebels checking in behind three other two-loss SEC teams.
Even undefeated Army can’t catch a break, barely cracking the rankings at No. 25 despite not trailing for a single second all season. “It’s a disgrace,” said one Army supporter. “Last year Liberty got love for beating up on cupcakes, but when we do it, crickets.”
Will the Committee Course Correct?
As the initial outrage subsides, the question becomes whether the committee will adjust in future rankings. Will they reconsider BYU’s body of work? Will they reevaluate their apparent Big Ten infatuation? Or will they double down, dismissing the critics as nothing more than biased fans?
“The committee has an opportunity to show they’re actually watching the games and not just the helmets. If they stick to this script, their credibility is gone.”
– Longtime College Football Analyst
One thing is certain: the expanded 12-team playoff has done little to quell controversy. If anything, it’s only provided more fodder for debate, more opportunities for snubs, and more room for conspiracy theories to flourish.
As the season marches on, all eyes will be on the committee to see if they’re truly committed to fairness and objectivity, or if Big Ten bias and brand-name worship will continue to rule the day. For now, though, the college football world is left to stew in a cauldron of anger, with no signs of the fury abating any time soon.
