3 deserving teams that might miss out on 12-team CFP due to alleged SEC bias
The CFP initial rankings are out, and reactions are typically mixed. Some teams are pleased to be in the thick of the hunt, but some aren't as excited. Despite a solid standing, some teams could miss out on the playoff. While that rankles, it rankles a little more when the SEC could sneak five teams into the CFP. Here are three good teams that might miss out due to the SEC fascination.
3 deserving teams that might miss out on the CFP
#1. Army
Army could have the craziest postseason imaginable and still miss out on the CFP. First, all of this is probably a bit academic, because Notre Dame would love to ruin the Black Knights' perfect season and they have an excellent shot at it on Nov. 23. But even if they do, Army could still have a great resume.
8-0 Army is 5-0 in the AAC and Navy is 4-1. The potential for an Army/Navy AAC title game the week before the regular Army/Navy game is there. The CFP has already indicated it won't consider the Dec. 14 game in their CFP rankings, but Army could either go 12-1 or 13-0 and still end up outside the CFP.
ESPN gives Army a 31.5% shot of winning the AAC, but just a 20.5% shot of making the playoff. One of the best stories in college football should get their playoff shot, if they earn it on the field.
#2. SMU
The Mustangs are a solid 8-1 and are actually tied for first in the ACC at 5-0. With three easy games left in the regular season (two at home), SMU is all but guaranteed to finish the regular season at 11-1, with its only loss coming against fellow CFP candidate BYU.
But if SMU loses the ACC title game, an 11-2 Mustangs team could get left out. Clemson could gain some support and of course, Miami is all but locked into a spot. But despite SMU having a relative stranglehold on second in the ACC, ESPN's FPI has SMU at a 41.8% chance of a playoff bid. That's way too close for comfort, and why the Mustangs were just outside the initial CFP projection field.
#3. BYU
Speaking of teams that could have an unhappy surprise after the conference title game, don't forget the Cougars. BYU does have four games left to play, but there's nobody exceptionally dangerous left on the 8-0 Cougars' schedule. They're a game ahead of second-placed Iowa State and Colorado in the Big 12.
But even with about a 36% shot at winning the league per the FPI, the Cougars are still rated by ESPN at a sub-50% chance of a playoff spot (49.4%). The Big 12 does look increasingly like a one-bid league and if Iowa State or Colorado or long-shot Kansas State steals the title, BYU could be 12-1 and out in the cold.
What do you think of our likely snubs? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!