Why am I discussing conference power rankings? Well because as teams start playing each other in their conference, the strength of a conference determines the quality of your wins as the playoffs approach. It matters so let’s get right into it.
Let me point out on my philosophy on these rankings – your most recent OOC results count a lot, and you’ll see me reference that throughout the season.
We’ll give each conference a relative strength value 1-10.
Let me explain my relative rankings
0-5 : Conference lacks depth no elite teams
6-7: Conference lacks depth, and there are 1-2 elite teams, and 1-2 quality teams
7-8: At least 2 elite teams, and at least 2 quality teams.
8-9: 3 elite teams, and at least 2 quality teams
9-10: 1/2 of conference is elite and/or quality teams.
1) Big 10 – 7.9
The Big 10 has been slipping back to to the pack for weeks. Michigan State got crushed at home by BYU. Ohio State and Michigan look playoff worthy, and Wisconsin and Nebraska are solid, but it’s a big dropoff after that.
Next week is a huge game in the Big 10 when Ohio State visits Wisconsin.
Playoff Contenders
Ohio State, Michigan
In the Playoff Picture
Nebraska, Wisconsin
2) SEC – 7.7
The SEC sneaks ahead of the ACC, because they have two teams that control their destiny into the playoffs – Alabama and Texas A&M. The Aggies took out Tennessee, and Alabama beat Arkansas.
Alabama plays at Tennessee next week, and a win by Tennessee puts them back into the playoff discussion. Mississippi State faces always dangerous BYU OOC.
Playoff Contenders
Alabama, Texas A&M
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
3) ACC – 7.6
NC State gave the ACC another win over Notre Dame. The Irish aren’t very good, but that’s still a nice win for the Wolfpack. Clemson cruised against BC, and FSU continued their dominance over Miami. The Miami loss costs the ACC a 3rd top 10 team, as the Canes will fall.
Virginia Tech looks like the ACC Coastal’s best team after rolling UNC.
Georgia Tech plays Georgia Southern OOC next week, and Miami hosts UNC in an elimination game in the Coastal. Clemson plays NC State and Louisville hosts Duke. The Cardinals playoff hopes took a slight hit, when Houston lost to Navy. The Cards needed to be the team to beat the Cougars.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
Louisville
4) Pac 12 – 6.5
The Pac 12 has 1 team ranked in the top 15, but it’s a good one in Washington. The Huskies are blowing away opponents in the Pac 12. The Pac 12 is so that Washington cannot afford a loss and expect to make the playoffs. Stanford and Colorado going down as ranked teams hurts the Pac 12′s depth.
Stanford plays Notre Dame OOC next week, and the Irish are just bad right now.
Playoff Contenders
Washington
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
5) Big 12 – 5.5
Oklahoma beat Texas this week, and may be the Big 12′s best team. We’ll find out more in the next few weeks.
Next week West Virginia plays at Texas Tech as WVU trys to stay alive in the playoff chase. Baylor shouldn’t have any trouble with Kansas.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
Baylor, West Virginia
The Rest
Houston took a shocking loss to Navy, which eliminates them from playoff consideration. Boise State is undefeated and ranked, but needs a million thinks to happen to get into the playoffs. They are still worth paying attention too.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
Boise State
My Current Playoff Teams
As my personal criticism of the playoff committee, I don’t think the top 4 seeds order should be released until the final rankings. The playoff committee’s inconsistent and ever changing criteria is causing unnecessary frustration and confusion. It’s one of the improvement points I’d have for them.
If I had a vote this is who I would put in the playoff right now.
In – Washington | Alabama | Clemson | Ohio State
Just Missed – 5) Michigan 6) Texas A&M 7) Louisville 8) Wisconsin
