[needle]

Not following the SEC or Big 12 too closely this year, I had an open mind about Bama vaulting over TCU.

Looking at Sagarin, Bama was 4th while TCU ranked 7th. But TCU was actually 4-0 against top 20 teams as rated by Sagarin (somehow Sagarin thinks Baylor and Oklahoma are each top 20 teams despite having 6-6 records). Bama was 1-2 against top 20 teams, as rated by Sagarin.

TCU actually played a tougher schedule (rated 21st) overall compared to Bama (schedule rated 28).

So, while the computer backs up the eye test/common sense that Bama is better than TCU, I don’t think the evidence is overwhelming. TCU should be the choice for the CFP rather than be punished for qualifying for a conference championship game.

[needle]

Not following the SEC or Big 12 too closely this year, I had an open mind about Bama vaulting over TCU.

Looking at Sagarin, Bama was 4th while TCU ranked 7th. But TCU was actually 4-0 against top 20 teams as rated by Sagarin (somehow Sagarin thinks Baylor and Oklahoma are each top 20 teams despite having 6-6 records). Bama was 1-2 against top 20 teams, as rated by Sagarin.

TCU actually played a tougher schedule (rated 21st) overall compared to Bama (schedule rated 28).

So, while the computer backs up the eye test/common sense that Bama is better than TCU, I don’t think the evidence is overwhelming. TCU should be the choice for the CFP rather than be punished for qualifying for a conference championship game.