CFP Rankings Spark Outcry Over Alabama Ascent and Indiana Slide
The selection committee's latest rankings elevate a two-loss Alabama team to No. 3 while dropping an idle Indiana five spots.
The College Football Playoff selection committee has sparked debate with Tuesday night's rankings, elevating Alabama to No. 3 despite the Tide having two losses, as CBS Sports first reported. According to CBS Sports, this marks the first time in the history of the committee's rankings that a two-loss team has appeared in the top four this early in the season.
Selection committee chairman Hunter Yurachek told ESPN that Alabama's ranking is supported by metrics, as the team holds the nation's top record strength and schedule strength. Yurachek specifically cited a victory over Mississippi State as one of four quality wins. However, CBS Sports notes that Tennessee, which defeated Alabama 26-10 and holds the same 7-2 record, remains ranked lower at No. 8.
While the committee favors the SEC—with nine teams in the top 25—non-conference teams have seen significant volatility. CBS Sports reports that Indiana suffered a five-spot drop to No. 9 while on a bye week, the largest decline for an idle team in the 13-year history of the CFP rankings. Yurachek suggested Indiana was likely a victim of the timing of their bye week.
Other notable shifts include Notre Dame jumping from No. 11 to No. 5 following a victory over previous No. 1 Miami. Meanwhile, the committee continues to rank several three-loss SEC teams, including Missouri at No. 22, ahead of an 8-1 New Mexico team that remains unranked.