Should Ohio State Get a College Football Playoff (CFP) Slot if Going 6-0?

There's a bit of a problem with the premise you're presenting. In reality, only one team in a Power Five conference even has a chance to achieve a record of 9-1, which is 16th-ranked Iowa State.

How underdog would the Cyclones be against powerhouse teams like Alabama, Notre Dame, or Clemson? It's safe to say they'd be at least three touchdowns behind. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, are unequivocally the fourth-best team in college football.

Given the challenges posed by the pandemic this season, let's wrap up the year with some high-quality football in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Would it be fair to give a CFP slot to a 6-0 Buckeyes team, or should another team with a more impressive record be considered for this honor?

The Current Situation in College Football

This year, the landscape of college football has been significantly impacted by the ongoing pandemic. It's clear that strength of schedule and win-loss records are not as straightforward as they once were. Ohio State's 6-0 record, while impressive, should not overshadow the achievements of teams like the 10-1 or 9-1 ones that faced tougher opponents and stringent regulations.

The 2022 College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee has a challenging task ahead, as there are multiple undefeated teams vying for a spot in the CFP. The committee must consider the combination of team performance, strength of schedule, and overall impact on the season to make a fair decision.

An Underdog's Perspective

The 16th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones present a unique case. Despite their underdog status, they have a legitimate shot at achieving a 9-1 record. However, a 9-1 record against top-tier opponents like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Clemson is a significant accomplishment, while a 6-0 record against less competitive teams might not be as impressive.

Teams like Iowa State face the added challenge of competing in a conference with teams like Kansas State and Texas Tech, which have shown stronger performances than anticipated. The Battle for Big 12 Championship could easily tilt the balance towards a team like Iowa State, making their 9-1 record more compelling.

The Argument for a 6-0 Buckeyes Team

Supporters of giving a CFP slot to an undefeated Ohio State team might argue that dominance in a conference like the Big Ten should be rewarded. However, this reasoning has been challenged by the committee in the past, especially when other teams with winning records and better schedules are considered.

Some key factors in favor of Ohio State include:

Consistency and dominance in conference play Strength of schedule, even if the opponents might not be top-tier Major improvements in key positions and overall team performance

However, these factors must be weighed against the achievements of other teams with impressive records and tougher schedules. The committee must also consider the fairness of the decision and the potential impact on the overall narrative of the season.

Conclusion

In a year when exceptions and challenges abound, it's crucial to approach the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections with a fair and balanced perspective. Ohio State's 6-0 record, while impressive, should not overshadow the achievements of teams with more challenging schedules and 10-1 or 9-1 records.

The committee has the difficult task of making decisions that are both fair and reflective of the overarching narrative of the season. We should hope for a year-end finish that brings us some high-quality football in the CFP, ensuring that all teams have an equal chance to shine and be recognized for their efforts.

Updated October 2022