Sunday, November 8, 2015

Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame -- Playoff Rank


I saw on Twitter this AM that Kirk Herbstreit has Oklahoma State jumping from #14 all the way up to #4 (surpassing Notre Dame) -- after their win over undefeated TCU and LSU's loss to Alabama last night.

I don't think Mr. Herbstreit has taken the time to do his homework -- I have...

Yes, Oklahoma State is undefeated -- but there is a reason the College Football Playoff Committee had them ranked so low this week at #14 -- here's why:
  • TCU is the first "Power Five" conference team Oklahoma State has played this season with a winning record -- ND has played five so far this season
  • The opponents Oklahoma State has beaten -- going into last night's game -- are 28 - 43 on the season -- ND's opponents over same span:  42 - 30
  • Oklahoma State beat a 3 - 5 Kansas State team on a last minute field goal -- at home
  • Oklahoma State beat a 4 - 5 Texas team on a last minute botched punt snap and then a last second field goal -- ND beat Texas 38 - 3.
  • Oklahoma State beat a 4 - 4 West Virginia team in OT
 
And, their perceived "big win" over TCU yesterday -- was against a team who had not played a team with a winning record this season.  Think about that!  

TCU's wins -- leading into yesterday's game against Oklahoma State -- were against teams with a combined record of 27 - 44.

Is TCU really a big win for Oklahoma State?

Bottom line:  We need to win our next three games -- nothing else matters -- until then.