[OutsiderFan]

After watching a lot of the top teams play the last few weeks, I believe the proper playoff rankings are as follows:

1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cincinnati
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Utah
7. Baylor
8. Ohio State

I've thought fo years that at the end of the year there are no more than 8 teams who really have resumes and accomplishments worthy of playing for or are capable of winning a national championship. But we only have four 4 playoff teams in 2021.

1. Michigan (12-1)
Best combination of offense and defense. One loss in a game it led by 14+, that was very close, on road to a state rival.  They whooped their biggest rival Ohio State after a 7-game losing streak to them. Then bounced back and completely dominated Iowa (who admittedly isn't a great team) in championship game

2. Alabama (12-1)
Now have the best win of the season, and won the SEC. That said, they really struggled against and came very close to losing to a mediocre Auburn team, even though an in-state rival. Just not as impressive throughout the season as Michigan, IMO.

3. Cincinnati (13-0)
What more could this team do? They won every game, and gave Notre Dame its only loss of the season at South Bend. Houston had won 11 straight games and was undefeated on the road until Cincinnati stomped them to take the AAC championship.  

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

6. Utah (10-3)
Yes, Utah. This is what I hate about the current playoff format. Utah hasn't lost a game since changing QBs, and does anyone want to play this team now? They are dominant on both sides of the LOS, and frankly are very similar to Cincinnati. Also twice beat the Oregon team that beat Ohio State. The idea Utah can't be one of the best teams at the end of the season, just because it lost a couple early (with a different QB) is asinine to me. In every other sport, the team that gets hot at end of year often wins championship. Why can't this happen in College Football?

7. Baylor (11-2)
Even with its backup QB playing in the Big 12 Championship game, Baylor was able to stave off Oklahoma State and avenge previous loss to them in season. The defense stopped Okie State inside the 10 yard line twice, showing a lot of mettle in the process.

8. Ohio State (10-2)
We know how good Michigan is. And though Ohio State was pushed around by them to the tune of 297 yards rushing, they also were within one score in the 4th quarter. 

Does anyone else agree with me that Georgia DOES NOT belong in the playoff after getting crushed by Alabama in SEC CG?

[OutsiderFan]

After watching a lot of the top teams play the last few weeks, I believe the proper playoff rankings are as follows:

1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cincinnati
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Utah
7. Baylor
8. Ohio State

I've thought fo years that at the end of the year there are no more than 8 teams who really have resumes and accomplishments worthy of playing for or are capable of winning a national championship. But we only have four 4 playoff teams in 2021.

1. Michigan (12-1)
Best combination of offense and defense. One loss in a game it led by 14+, that was very close, on road to a state rival.  They whooped their biggest rival Ohio State after a 7-game losing streak to them. Then bounced back and completely dominated Iowa (who admittedly isn't a great team) in championship game

2. Alabama (12-1)
Now have the best win of the season, and won the SEC. That said, they really struggled against and came very close to losing to a mediocre Auburn team, even though an in-state rival. Just not as impressive throughout the season as Michigan, IMO.

3. Cincinnati (13-0)
What more could this team do? They won every game, and gave Notre Dame its only loss of the season at South Bend. Houston had won 11 straight games and was undefeated on the road until Cincinnati stomped them to take the AAC championship.  

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

6. Utah (10-3)
Yes, Utah. This is what I hate about the current playoff format. Utah hasn't lost a game since changing QBs, and does anyone want to play this team now? They are dominant on both sides of the LOS, and frankly are very similar to Cincinnati. Also twice beat the Oregon team that beat Ohio State. The idea Utah can't be one of the best teams at the end of the season, just because it lost a couple early (with a different QB) is asinine to me. In every other sport, the team that gets hot at end of year often wins championship. Why can't this happen in College Football?

7. Baylor (11-2)
Even with its backup QB playing in the Big 12 Championship game, Baylor was able to stave off Oklahoma State and avenge previous loss to them in season. The defense stopped Okie State inside the 10 yard line twice, showing a lot of mettle in the process.

8. Ohio State (10-2)
We know how good Michigan is. And though Ohio State was pushed around by them to the tune of 297 yards rushing, they also were within one score in the 4th quarter. 

Does anyone else agree with me that Georgia DOES NOT belong in the playoff after getting crushed by Alabama in SEC CG?

[needle]

No. Dawgs were dominant after Week 1 against decent competition.

It’s not 2003 (when Oklahoma got to play in the BCS title game despite getting trounced by K-State in the Big 12 championship game). With 4 teams in, Georgia is deserving.

[needle]

No. Dawgs were dominant after Week 1 against decent competition.

It’s not 2003 (when Oklahoma got to play in the BCS title game despite getting trounced by K-State in the Big 12 championship game). With 4 teams in, Georgia is deserving.

[OutsiderFan]

No. Dawgs were dominant after Week 1 against decent competition.

It’s not 2003 (when Oklahoma got to play in the BCS title game despite getting trounced by K-State in the Big 12 championship game). With 4 teams in, Georgia is deserving.

I don't deny that they were dominant after week 1.  My point is UGA was in a championship game and got absolutely outclassed.  Why should they get another chance nobody else gets? Is the SEC CG a playoff for Alabama and an exhibition for Georgia?

[OutsiderFan]

No. Dawgs were dominant after Week 1 against decent competition.

It’s not 2003 (when Oklahoma got to play in the BCS title game despite getting trounced by K-State in the Big 12 championship game). With 4 teams in, Georgia is deserving.

I don't deny that they were dominant after week 1.  My point is UGA was in a championship game and got absolutely outclassed.  Why should they get another chance nobody else gets? Is the SEC CG a playoff for Alabama and an exhibition for Georgia?

[Phogge]

Notre Dame plays a soft schedule. Mater Dei could give Stanford a good game.

[Phogge]

Notre Dame plays a soft schedule. Mater Dei could give Stanford a good game.

[Austroturf]

I'm with you on this, OF.  The CFP should be a process of crowning the best team in the country.  Georgia was roundly beaten by Alabama yesterday and failed on one of the biggest stages.  They had their shot and came up short.  Give some other team a chance to beat Bama or Michigan in the CFP.     

And, yes, that team could be Utah, which is playing excellent football right now.  OK, we will most probably get to see Utah take on OSU in the Rose Bowl, which should be an excellent game.  But it would be very compelling to see Utah or ND or even Baylor get a shot at the title.  Georgia had theirs.  Done.  OSU had their shot, as well, and went down vs. Michigan.  Why should there be a rematch of the SEC championship game?   

Of course, if Georgia somehow wins the whole thing, then the committee will feel very justified in their decision (just as they did after the 2011 season when the BCS title game was between LSU and Alabama, #1 and #2, respectively, in the SEC West division, and Alabama routed the SEC champions Tigers 21-0).  But with so few games in the football season and no true playoff mode (like the basketball tournament), failure to win the conference championship should be a lock-out spec.  The CFP, at minimum, should only consider teams that managed to win their conference title.  Alabama is the SEC champion, Michigan is the B1G champion, Cincy is the AAC champion.  Why not let Utah, Baylor or even Pitt have a shot at the title?

[Austroturf]

I'm with you on this, OF.  The CFP should be a process of crowning the best team in the country.  Georgia was roundly beaten by Alabama yesterday and failed on one of the biggest stages.  They had their shot and came up short.  Give some other team a chance to beat Bama or Michigan in the CFP.     

And, yes, that team could be Utah, which is playing excellent football right now.  OK, we will most probably get to see Utah take on OSU in the Rose Bowl, which should be an excellent game.  But it would be very compelling to see Utah or ND or even Baylor get a shot at the title.  Georgia had theirs.  Done.  OSU had their shot, as well, and went down vs. Michigan.  Why should there be a rematch of the SEC championship game?   

Of course, if Georgia somehow wins the whole thing, then the committee will feel very justified in their decision (just as they did after the 2011 season when the BCS title game was between LSU and Alabama, #1 and #2, respectively, in the SEC West division, and Alabama routed the SEC champions Tigers 21-0).  But with so few games in the football season and no true playoff mode (like the basketball tournament), failure to win the conference championship should be a lock-out spec.  The CFP, at minimum, should only consider teams that managed to win their conference title.  Alabama is the SEC champion, Michigan is the B1G champion, Cincy is the AAC champion.  Why not let Utah, Baylor or even Pitt have a shot at the title?

[martyup]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

[martyup]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

[winflop]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

This, except I would take the highest-ranked G5 champion and give them an automatic bid with 2 at-larges.

In the current 4-team format, I think it's a toss-up between Georgia and Notre Dame but CFP has such a pro-SEC bias I can't imagine in Georgia not being in. And because the CFP doesn't want a Georgia-Alabama semifinal, I see two possible final rankings:
Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Cincinnati - more likely outcome
Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia

[winflop]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

This, except I would take the highest-ranked G5 champion and give them an automatic bid with 2 at-larges.

In the current 4-team format, I think it's a toss-up between Georgia and Notre Dame but CFP has such a pro-SEC bias I can't imagine in Georgia not being in. And because the CFP doesn't want a Georgia-Alabama semifinal, I see two possible final rankings:
Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Cincinnati - more likely outcome
Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia

[martyup]

Cincy is in at #4. Breaks the myth that no G5 team will ever make a 4 team CFP. Hurts argument for expansion.
GA is #3, despite losing pretty soundly yesterday.
MI is #2
BAMA is #1

---

This is going to be a good Rose Bowl Game between UT and tOSU

---

I would love to see Cincy beat Alabama. It would suck if the final is GA vs AL II.

[martyup]

Cincy is in at #4. Breaks the myth that no G5 team will ever make a 4 team CFP. Hurts argument for expansion.
GA is #3, despite losing pretty soundly yesterday.
MI is #2
BAMA is #1

---

This is going to be a good Rose Bowl Game between UT and tOSU

---

I would love to see Cincy beat Alabama. It would suck if the final is GA vs AL II.

[terry]

FWIW, these are the updated Sagarin rankings --

  1  Alabama           
  2  Georgia 
  3  Ohio State   
  4  Michigan 
  5  Notre Dame 
  6  Cincinnati     
  7  Oklahoma State
  8  Utah  
  9  Oklahoma
 10  Clemson  

https://sagarin.usatoday.com/2021-2/coll...ings-2021/

[terry]

FWIW, these are the updated Sagarin rankings --

  1  Alabama           
  2  Georgia 
  3  Ohio State   
  4  Michigan 
  5  Notre Dame 
  6  Cincinnati     
  7  Oklahoma State
  8  Utah  
  9  Oklahoma
 10  Clemson  

https://sagarin.usatoday.com/2021-2/coll...ings-2021/

[lex24]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

This, except I would take the highest-ranked G5 champion and give them an automatic bid with 2 at-larges.

In the current 4-team format, I think it's a toss-up between Georgia and Notre Dame but CFP has such a pro-SEC bias I can't imagine in Georgia not being in. And because the CFP doesn't want a Georgia-Alabama semifinal, I see two possible final rankings:
Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Cincinnati - more likely outcome
Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia

They have a pro-SEC bias, because it is by far the best conference.  Michigan has a chance to make a major statement be beating Georgia.  Big 10 is, IMO, second 
best. I’m rooting for a  Bama- Mich final.  That would be good theater.

[lex24]

This is the perfect season to use in the argument for an 8 team CFP expansion.  The eight would consist of each Power 5 conference champion plus the best 3 from the 
Group of 5 and independents.

This, except I would take the highest-ranked G5 champion and give them an automatic bid with 2 at-larges.

In the current 4-team format, I think it's a toss-up between Georgia and Notre Dame but CFP has such a pro-SEC bias I can't imagine in Georgia not being in. And because the CFP doesn't want a Georgia-Alabama semifinal, I see two possible final rankings:
Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Cincinnati - more likely outcome
Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia

They have a pro-SEC bias, because it is by far the best conference.  Michigan has a chance to make a major statement be beating Georgia.  Big 10 is, IMO, second 
best. I’m rooting for a  Bama- Mich final.  That would be good theater.

[Austroturf]

I will obviously be pulling for the non-SEC teams in the semi-finals.  A rematch of Georgia-Alabama in the NC game?  No thanks.  Michigan-Alabama would be interesting.  We haven't seen that yet!

[Austroturf]

I will obviously be pulling for the non-SEC teams in the semi-finals.  A rematch of Georgia-Alabama in the NC game?  No thanks.  Michigan-Alabama would be interesting.  We haven't seen that yet!

[OutsiderFan]

I hate to piss in the SEC is better punch bowl, but the only reason the SEC always gets chances no other conference gets is because they play 8 conference games and in general, every SEC team has one less loss and one more win than everyone else. When the voters vote, they always see SEC teams as having better records and they get more benefit from beating each other than other conferences do.

Stanford lost chances to be in the playoff by losing to other division teams Utah and USC, equivalent games the SEC teams never ever play.

I can see an argument for having Alabama #1. There is no argument for me that justifies Georgia in a 4-team playoff. But, the only reason Michigan isn't #1 is because the committee didn't want a Georgia-Alabama semi-final. 

If you were to rank the four teams that did get in, to me it's

#1 Michigan
#2 Alabama
#3 Cincinnati
#4 Georgia

It insults my intelligence, based on watching Georgia play Alabama, that Georgia is #3. But, again, so does it that they are in the playoff period.

[OutsiderFan]

I hate to piss in the SEC is better punch bowl, but the only reason the SEC always gets chances no other conference gets is because they play 8 conference games and in general, every SEC team has one less loss and one more win than everyone else. When the voters vote, they always see SEC teams as having better records and they get more benefit from beating each other than other conferences do.

Stanford lost chances to be in the playoff by losing to other division teams Utah and USC, equivalent games the SEC teams never ever play.

I can see an argument for having Alabama #1. There is no argument for me that justifies Georgia in a 4-team playoff. But, the only reason Michigan isn't #1 is because the committee didn't want a Georgia-Alabama semi-final. 

If you were to rank the four teams that did get in, to me it's

#1 Michigan
#2 Alabama
#3 Cincinnati
#4 Georgia

It insults my intelligence, based on watching Georgia play Alabama, that Georgia is #3. But, again, so does it that they are in the playoff period.

[Giants]

After watching a lot of the top teams play the last few weeks, I believe the proper playoff rankings are as follows:

1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cincinnati
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Utah
7. Baylor
8. Ohio State

I've thought fo years that at the end of the year there are no more than 8 teams who really have resumes and accomplishments worthy of playing for or are capable of winning a national championship. But we only have four 4 playoff teams in 2021.

1. Michigan (12-1)
Best combination of offense and defense. One loss in a game it led by 14+, that was very close, on road to a state rival.  They whooped their biggest rival Ohio State after a 7-game losing streak to them. Then bounced back and completely dominated Iowa (who admittedly isn't a great team) in championship game

2. Alabama (12-1)
Now have the best win of the season, and won the SEC. That said, they really struggled against and came very close to losing to a mediocre Auburn team, even though an in-state rival. Just not as impressive throughout the season as Michigan, IMO.

3. Cincinnati (13-0)
What more could this team do? They won every game, and gave Notre Dame its only loss of the season at South Bend. Houston had won 11 straight games and was undefeated on the road until Cincinnati stomped them to take the AAC championship.  

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

6. Utah (10-3)
Yes, Utah. This is what I hate about the current playoff format. Utah hasn't lost a game since changing QBs, and does anyone want to play this team now? They are dominant on both sides of the LOS, and frankly are very similar to Cincinnati. Also twice beat the Oregon team that beat Ohio State. The idea Utah can't be one of the best teams at the end of the season, just because it lost a couple early (with a different QB) is asinine to me. In every other sport, the team that gets hot at end of year often wins championship. Why can't this happen in College Football?

7. Baylor (11-2)
Even with its backup QB playing in the Big 12 Championship game, Baylor was able to stave off Oklahoma State and avenge previous loss to them in season. The defense stopped Okie State inside the 10 yard line twice, showing a lot of mettle in the process.

8. Ohio State (10-2)
We know how good Michigan is. And though Ohio State was pushed around by them to the tune of 297 yards rushing, they also were within one score in the 4th quarter. 

Does anyone else agree with me that Georgia DOES NOT belong in the playoff after getting crushed by Alabama in SEC CG?

No.  The CFP Committee got it right.  If ND wants to play in the CFP, they should be required to join a conference and vie for a spot in a conference championship game.

Note: Regarding Utah, you will get your wish in 2026 when the playoffs expand and all the P5 conference champions are invited (my opinion, of course).

[Giants]

After watching a lot of the top teams play the last few weeks, I believe the proper playoff rankings are as follows:

1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cincinnati
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Utah
7. Baylor
8. Ohio State

I've thought fo years that at the end of the year there are no more than 8 teams who really have resumes and accomplishments worthy of playing for or are capable of winning a national championship. But we only have four 4 playoff teams in 2021.

1. Michigan (12-1)
Best combination of offense and defense. One loss in a game it led by 14+, that was very close, on road to a state rival.  They whooped their biggest rival Ohio State after a 7-game losing streak to them. Then bounced back and completely dominated Iowa (who admittedly isn't a great team) in championship game

2. Alabama (12-1)
Now have the best win of the season, and won the SEC. That said, they really struggled against and came very close to losing to a mediocre Auburn team, even though an in-state rival. Just not as impressive throughout the season as Michigan, IMO.

3. Cincinnati (13-0)
What more could this team do? They won every game, and gave Notre Dame its only loss of the season at South Bend. Houston had won 11 straight games and was undefeated on the road until Cincinnati stomped them to take the AAC championship.  

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

6. Utah (10-3)
Yes, Utah. This is what I hate about the current playoff format. Utah hasn't lost a game since changing QBs, and does anyone want to play this team now? They are dominant on both sides of the LOS, and frankly are very similar to Cincinnati. Also twice beat the Oregon team that beat Ohio State. The idea Utah can't be one of the best teams at the end of the season, just because it lost a couple early (with a different QB) is asinine to me. In every other sport, the team that gets hot at end of year often wins championship. Why can't this happen in College Football?

7. Baylor (11-2)
Even with its backup QB playing in the Big 12 Championship game, Baylor was able to stave off Oklahoma State and avenge previous loss to them in season. The defense stopped Okie State inside the 10 yard line twice, showing a lot of mettle in the process.

8. Ohio State (10-2)
We know how good Michigan is. And though Ohio State was pushed around by them to the tune of 297 yards rushing, they also were within one score in the 4th quarter. 

Does anyone else agree with me that Georgia DOES NOT belong in the playoff after getting crushed by Alabama in SEC CG?

No.  The CFP Committee got it right.  If ND wants to play in the CFP, they should be required to join a conference and vie for a spot in a conference championship game.

Note: Regarding Utah, you will get your wish in 2026 when the playoffs expand and all the P5 conference champions are invited (my opinion, of course).

[Canalejas]

I wish the committee would have made the SEC schools play a rematch in the semifinal.

[Canalejas]

I wish the committee would have made the SEC schools play a rematch in the semifinal.

[Phogge]

ESPN says "Sit" to the committee. Then "Beg," then "Rollover."

[Phogge]

ESPN says "Sit" to the committee. Then "Beg," then "Rollover."

[CompSci87]

My only input is that I still don't believe that two teams from the same conference should ever be allowed in the 4-team playoff. Championships are supposed to be won and lost on the field, not in committee rooms (as much as possible, anyway), so I don't think a committee opinion that a team is one of the best four in the country should outweigh the fact that they didn't win their own conference. Let the CCG games act as a qualifying round for the playoff and limit the committee to choosing the top four conference champions. (Plus independents perhaps, though I wouldn't be opposed to leaving them out!)

[CompSci87]

My only input is that I still don't believe that two teams from the same conference should ever be allowed in the 4-team playoff. Championships are supposed to be won and lost on the field, not in committee rooms (as much as possible, anyway), so I don't think a committee opinion that a team is one of the best four in the country should outweigh the fact that they didn't win their own conference. Let the CCG games act as a qualifying round for the playoff and limit the committee to choosing the top four conference champions. (Plus independents perhaps, though I wouldn't be opposed to leaving them out!)

[teejers1]

FWIW, these are the updated Sagarin rankings --

  1  Alabama           
  2  Georgia 
  3  Ohio State   
  4  Michigan 
  5  Notre Dame 
  6  Cincinnati     
  7  Oklahoma State
  8  Utah  
  9  Oklahoma
 10  Clemson  

https://sagarin.usatoday.com/2021-2/coll...ings-2021/

Stanford at #88!  Woo Hoo!  (Much better than I expected - of course, several lower-ranked teams would probably be favored by Vegas against the Stanford team we saw down the stretch).

[teejers1]

FWIW, these are the updated Sagarin rankings --

  1  Alabama           
  2  Georgia 
  3  Ohio State   
  4  Michigan 
  5  Notre Dame 
  6  Cincinnati     
  7  Oklahoma State
  8  Utah  
  9  Oklahoma
 10  Clemson  

https://sagarin.usatoday.com/2021-2/coll...ings-2021/

Stanford at #88!  Woo Hoo!  (Much better than I expected - of course, several lower-ranked teams would probably be favored by Vegas against the Stanford team we saw down the stretch).

[lex24]

I hate to piss in the SEC is better punch bowl, but the only reason the SEC always gets chances no other conference gets is because they play 8 conference games and in general, every SEC team has one less loss and one more win than everyone else. When the voters vote, they always see SEC teams as having better records and they get more benefit from beating each other than other conferences do.

Stanford lost chances to be in the playoff by losing to other division teams Utah and USC, equivalent games the SEC teams never ever play.

I can see an argument for having Alabama #1. There is no argument for me that justifies Georgia in a 4-team playoff. But, the only reason Michigan isn't #1 is because the committee didn't want a Georgia-Alabama semi-final. 

If you were to rank the four teams that did get in, to me it's

#1 Michigan
#2 Alabama
#3 Cincinnati
#4 Georgia

It insults my intelligence, based on watching Georgia play Alabama, that Georgia is #3. But, again, so does it that they are in the playoff period.

Georgia was no 1 team in country all year.  They lost a Championship game to the best program in the Country.   12-1. 

Ok St lost. tOSU has 2 losses.  ND has no signature wins.  Sagarin has Georgia no 2.  The justification for their being 3 is obvious.

[lex24]

I hate to piss in the SEC is better punch bowl, but the only reason the SEC always gets chances no other conference gets is because they play 8 conference games and in general, every SEC team has one less loss and one more win than everyone else. When the voters vote, they always see SEC teams as having better records and they get more benefit from beating each other than other conferences do.

Stanford lost chances to be in the playoff by losing to other division teams Utah and USC, equivalent games the SEC teams never ever play.

I can see an argument for having Alabama #1. There is no argument for me that justifies Georgia in a 4-team playoff. But, the only reason Michigan isn't #1 is because the committee didn't want a Georgia-Alabama semi-final. 

If you were to rank the four teams that did get in, to me it's

#1 Michigan
#2 Alabama
#3 Cincinnati
#4 Georgia

It insults my intelligence, based on watching Georgia play Alabama, that Georgia is #3. But, again, so does it that they are in the playoff period.

Georgia was no 1 team in country all year.  They lost a Championship game to the best program in the Country.   12-1. 

Ok St lost. tOSU has 2 losses.  ND has no signature wins.  Sagarin has Georgia no 2.  The justification for their being 3 is obvious.

[DC 86]

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

Do you realize that Notre Dame doesn't have a single win over a team currently ranked in the AP poll? Georgia has three.

Georgia lost its conference championship game (to the best head coach in the sport's history), Notre Dame didn't play in a conference championship game, nor schedule anyone close to Alabama's caliber during the regular season.

Georgia's single loss was to Alabama, Notre Dame's single loss was to Cincinnati.

I do appreciate the argument that Georgia just had its chance, that's compelling to me. But in no universe did Notre Dame accomplish more this season than Georgia, nor is Notre Dame objectively a better team than Georgia (it's not that close.)

[DC 86]

4. Notre Dame (11-1)
Just got better and better through the season. Like Georgia, they don't have any really great win. Maybe Wisconsin?  Still, they pass the eye test and just absolutely dominated the last three teams they beat 128-17.

5. Georgia (12-1)
Sorry, I don't put UGA in the playoff.  They were dominated in the SEC Championship game after initially going up 10-0.  They don't have any win any more impressive than Notre Dame. Maybe you might put Kentucky or Arkansas on par with ND beating Wisconsin, but, they had their championship shot and got smashed.  We shouldn't be living in a world where you get a reward after failing so badly in your championship game.

Do you realize that Notre Dame doesn't have a single win over a team currently ranked in the AP poll? Georgia has three.

Georgia lost its conference championship game (to the best head coach in the sport's history), Notre Dame didn't play in a conference championship game, nor schedule anyone close to Alabama's caliber during the regular season.

Georgia's single loss was to Alabama, Notre Dame's single loss was to Cincinnati.

I do appreciate the argument that Georgia just had its chance, that's compelling to me. But in no universe did Notre Dame accomplish more this season than Georgia, nor is Notre Dame objectively a better team than Georgia (it's not that close.)

[Goose]

nor is Notre Dame objectively a better team than Georgia (it's not that close.)

I happen to agree with you, but the real problem is that neither ND nor Georgia played a particularly difficult schedule. In a sense, we really don't know how good either of them are. We know ND wasn't better than Cincinnati on the day they played, and we know Georgia was not better than Alabama on the day they played. That's about all we know, because there aren't many other "quality" data points. Clemson wasn't very good this year, so that data point for Georgia is really devalued.

In order to retain sanity, I simply remember that this "playoff" format in no way guarantees the best team in the country will win. If that happens, it is mostly luck, because there are so many conflating factors that can make that not happen. It is for "fun", nothing else.

[Goose]

nor is Notre Dame objectively a better team than Georgia (it's not that close.)

I happen to agree with you, but the real problem is that neither ND nor Georgia played a particularly difficult schedule. In a sense, we really don't know how good either of them are. We know ND wasn't better than Cincinnati on the day they played, and we know Georgia was not better than Alabama on the day they played. That's about all we know, because there aren't many other "quality" data points. Clemson wasn't very good this year, so that data point for Georgia is really devalued.

In order to retain sanity, I simply remember that this "playoff" format in no way guarantees the best team in the country will win. If that happens, it is mostly luck, because there are so many conflating factors that can make that not happen. It is for "fun", nothing else.