Arizona State University (ASU) has surged into the college football playoffs following a commanding victory over Iowa State, securing the Big 12 Conference championship.
Forget about traditional rankings and analytics; ASU’s on-field performance speaks volumes. In their recent Big 12 title game, the Sun Devils dominated Iowa State with a resounding 45-19 win. This victory is part of a larger trend, as ASU has outscored their last two opponents by a combined score of 94-26. Despite being ranked No. 15 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, ASU’s performance has made them a formidable contender. Their entrance into the playoffs is secured, but they will need further assistance to earn a coveted first-round bye.
ASU’s new standing comes after transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, defying preseason expectations that predicted a last-place finish in their new league. Under the leadership of coach Kenny Dillingham, the team achieved an impressive 11-1 record with quarterback Sam Leavitt. Dillingham emphasized their achievements, stating, ‘We’re 11-1 with our quarterback, and we’re Big 12 champs. I think we should be treated like an 11-1 team.’
The focus now shifts to the outcomes of other conference games, particularly the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title game between Clemson and SMU. The results will significantly influence the playoff brackets, especially ASU’s chances of securing a first-round bye. Currently, if SMU wins, Alabama at 9-3 stands a better chance of securing a spot, which would likely push Miami out. On the other hand, a Clemson upset could upend these predictions, leaving the selection committee faced with tough decisions regarding SMU and Alabama.
The playoff structure awards byes based on conference championship wins, not just ranking positions. This has introduced a layer of unpredictability in the playoff picture. For instance, there are scenarios where a team like Clemson, with a similar 9-3 record as Georgia, could receive a bye despite losing heavily to Georgia earlier in the season. This system has prompted discussions on whether the current bye award system benefits lower-seeded conference champions excessively.
Other notable games include the SEC showdown between Texas and Georgia, where the winner will not only claim the championship but also earn a bye. Meanwhile, top-ranked Oregon, the only undefeated team, is set to play No. 3 Penn State for the Big Ten championship. A Penn State victory could shuffle the rankings, potentially awarding them the top seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, teams like Indiana and Notre Dame are positioned to receive home games, though not competing this weekend.
Rankings and their implications continue to stir debate among college football stakeholders. For instance, Danny White, Tennessee’s athletic director, expressed his preference for a computer-based ranking system that would offer more objective assessments, reminiscent of the previous Bowl Championship Series. He stated, ‘I will criticize the fact that we don’t have a more objective, computer-based rankings system that just makes it very clear.’
As the college football playoffs draw near, Arizona State has emerged as a strong contender. While the team has secured their place, the final brackets’ announcement will determine whether they receive a bye in the first round. Their journey from last place predictions to conference champions illustrates the unpredictable nature of college football and the potential for upset as the season concludes.
