"SMU, Oregon has more P4 wins than Texas does": ACC commish Jim Phillips draws bold comparisons amid SEC bias allegations in CFP
Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips stirred up strong opinions on ESPN's College GameDay, standing firmly behind SMU's College Football Playoff (CFP) bid amid accusations of SEC bias.
On Saturday, Phillips made it clear that the Mustangs deserved a playoff spot, irrespective of the result of the ACC Championship game against Clemson that evening.
He further explained that out of 68 Power Four teams, only two went undefeated in their conferences—Oregon and SMU.
“Unequivocally. SMU needs to be in. They are 11-1. They are 8-0 in the conference. There is two teams in 68 power four schools that went undefeated in the conference.” he said.
Making a case for why he thought the Mustangs deserved a spot, Jim Philips said, per Touchdown Alabama:
“The Oregon Ducks and the SMU Mustangs...they have more power four wins than Texas does.”
Currently ranked eighth in the CFP standings, SMU's postseason hopes hang in the balance. Reportedly, if the Mustangs defeat Clemson, their path to the CFP is likely secured, if not, they'll be at the mercy of the selection committee.
The playoff race is heating up, with Indiana (11-1) sitting ninth and Boise State (10-1) claiming the 10th spot after winning the Mountain West title. Meanwhile, Alabama, ranked 11th with a 9-3 record, remains a polarizing candidate despite the controversy surrounding their inclusion.
As CFP Selection Sunday looms, the debate over who deserves the coveted spots intensifies. For SMU, it’s win-or-wait—while fans and critics alike watch the playoff drama unfold.
Why is Jim Phillips standing firm on SMU's Playoff spot?
Jim Phillips’ bold stance comes amid growing concerns of bias against the ACC, especially after last year's controversy when undefeated Florida State was snubbed in favor of one-loss Alabama.
Phillips is adamant that SMU’s résumé speaks for itself. They’re 11-1, 8-0 in the league. One of the only Power 4 teams to go undefeated in conference play alongside Oregon.
He believes SMU’s dominance, combined with the conference's overall accomplishments, warrants respect from the CFP committee.
But the road ahead isn’t simple. CFP chair Warde Manuel hinted Tuesday that SMU’s spot could be in jeopardy with a loss to Clemson in the ACC title game, saying their inclusion is “potentially” at risk.
Phiilips also pointed out Miami's situation, where they dropped in the rankings, as an example of the committee's inconsistency.
“Miami has more wins and fewer losses than the team directly ahead of them and a dominant victory over an SEC team whose late-season surge includes a win over No. 13 Ole Miss,” Jim Phillips said.
“Moreover, a team with 2 losses by a combined 9 points — to a ranked Syracuse team and a Georgia Tech team that just took No. 5 Georgia to 8 overtimes — Miami absolutely deserves better from the committee.” the ACC commissioner said.
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