The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has stirred frustration among fans and teams alike as it unveiled its initial top 25 rankings for the 2025 season. The announcement has ignited debate, particularly regarding the treatment of BYU, which advocates feel deserves a higher ranking. This tension contributes to the Week 11 Anger Index, which gauges reactions to the committee’s decisions.
BYU’s Case for a Higher Ranking
Last year, BYU faced criticism after it finished behind several teams despite having a solid record of 10-2. Teams like Alabama and Mississippi were ranked above BYU, despite each suffering defeats. As the current rankings reflect continuing issues, the Cougars find themselves in a similar situation this year.
BYU currently has a comparable résumé to the top-ranked Ohio State:
- Team A (Ohio State): No. 1 in strength of record, No. 33 in strength of schedule, 4-0 against top-40 opponents.
- Team B (BYU): No. 4 in strength of record, No. 45 in strength of schedule, 3-0 against top-40 opponents.
Despite the similarities, BYU finds itself ranked below three SEC teams, which raises eyebrows given their performances this season.
Criticism of the Committee’s Metrics
This year, the CFP committee has introduced a new metric, focusing on “record strength,” aiming to clarify the evaluation process. Yet, many believe it has failed to address underlying discrepancies, particularly within the ACC and Group of 5 conferences.
The ACC lacks representation, with no teams ranked above 14th, while the Group of 5 has yet to place any teams in the top 25. Memphis tops the Group of 5 standings despite questionable losses, further complicating the committee’s credibility.
Evaluating Other Teams
Several teams have grounds for frustration regarding their placements. Miami, ranked No. 18, has seen its performance undervalued, particularly when assessing its victories over stronger opponents. Miami’s struggles have also overshadowed potential merits, leading to a lack of respect from the committee despite a favorable head-to-head record against teams above them.
Comparing resumes from different conferences further illustrates the inconsistencies:
- Team A (Texas Tech): No. 10 in strength of record, with a better ranking despite a loss to an unranked team.
- Team B (Louisville): No. 13 in strength of record, showing a similar profile but positioned lower.
The Power of the SEC
The SEC continues to dominate the rankings, showcasing depth with numerous closely contested games. This year, half of its conference games have produced narrow outcomes, demonstrating the competitiveness of the league. Conversely, some Big Ten teams with questionable standings have entered rankings alongside SEC members.
With rankings still shifting, Week 11 intensifies discussions around team placements. As teams position themselves for a chance at playoff contention, the question remains whether the committee can implement clearer evaluation criteria moving forward.
As the season progresses, the CFP committee will have to navigate these complexities while addressing the mounting anger among fans and teams. The outcome of upcoming matches, particularly for teams like BYU, will likely influence future rankings as playoff aspirations come into sharper focus.
