The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) has seen mixed results, with Arizona State providing one of the few thrilling moments in the early rounds. The Sun Devils' double-overtime loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl showcased their competitive spirit, while other games have been less engaging. This situation has led to significant scrutiny of the CFP selection process, particularly regarding the inclusion of teams like Indiana and SMU. Meanwhile, deserving teams such as BYU and Ole Miss were overlooked, raising questions about the committee's ability to identify the best teams. The performance of top contenders Ohio State and Texas further complicates the debate on whether the semifinals truly feature the four best teams.
The Disappointing Performances of Selected Teams
The initial rounds of the CFP have revealed several questionable selections by the committee. Indiana's presence in the playoff was widely criticized, given their lackluster regular-season performance. The Hoosiers failed to impress against ranked opponents and barely managed victories over teams with losing records. Similarly, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) suffered a dismal postseason, with only two wins out of thirteen bowl games. SMU, despite receiving an at-large bid, was convincingly defeated by Penn State, highlighting the disparity between selected teams and those left out.
Clemson, another ACC representative, also struggled, losing decisively to Texas after securing an automatic bid following their ACC championship win over SMU. These outcomes have fueled debates about the fairness and effectiveness of the CFP seeding process. Critics argue that the committee should reassess its criteria for selecting teams, especially considering the poor performances of some included teams. The selection of Indiana and SMU, in particular, has come under fire, as both teams failed to meet expectations in the playoff.
Deserving Teams Left Out and the Role of Arizona State
While some teams faltered, others who deserved spots in the CFP were notably absent. BYU and Ole Miss had standout seasons but were overlooked. BYU's impressive road victory over SMU and their narrow loss to Arizona State demonstrated their caliber. Ole Miss, too, proved their worth with a dominant win over Georgia, one of the season's most notable upsets. Both teams would have added depth and excitement to the playoff field.
A key highlight of the CFP so far has been Arizona State's performance. Despite their eventual loss to Texas, the Sun Devils provided one of the most entertaining games of the tournament. Their ability to challenge Texas's formidable defense and nearly secure a comeback underscores their competitiveness. Arizona State's inclusion has been a breath of fresh air, offering fans a glimpse of what the expanded CFP could achieve. As the semifinals approach, hopes remain high for more thrilling matchups, but the first two rounds have already exposed the need for improvements in the selection process.