What CFP Chair Warde Manuel Said About Ole Miss Being Ranked Ahead Of Tennessee…
Warde Manuel, as the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, plays a crucial role in determining how teams are ranked each week during the college football season. This committee is tasked with evaluating teams based on various factors such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, conference championships, and head-to-head performance. The rankings are a key part of the CFP, which ultimately determines the four teams that will compete for the national championship.
In a scenario where a team like Ole Miss is ranked ahead of Tennessee, it likely sparks discussions about the criteria the committee values most. As of the latest seasons, both Ole Miss and Tennessee have been competitive teams, but their positions in the rankings have fluctuated based on their performances and the performances of other teams in college football.
Factors Influencing Rankings
When the selection committee ranks teams, they do so based on several factors, including:
1. Strength of Schedule: The committee places significant emphasis on the strength of the teams a program has faced. For example, if Ole Miss had a stronger schedule or a better record against ranked opponents than Tennessee at a given point in the season, they might be ranked ahead, even if Tennessee had a slightly better record or more impressive individual performances.
2. Head-to-Head Results: Another important aspect is how teams have performed against each other. If Ole Miss and Tennessee had played each other and Ole Miss won, that result could influence the rankings in favor of Ole Miss.
3. Conference Championship Impact: A team’s performance within their conference also matters. If Ole Miss had performed better within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), especially compared to Tennessee’s record within their division or their conference performance, it could tip the scales.
4. Key Injuries or Player Availability: In some instances, the committee might take into account injuries or suspensions that could affect a team’s performance, especially if a team like Tennessee had suffered key injuries while Ole Miss had remained healthy.
5. The “Eye Test”: The committee also evaluates how teams perform on the field in terms of style, competitiveness, and dominance in games. This subjective component allows the committee to compare teams that might not have directly faced each other.
Warde Manuel’s Response
Warde Manuel, as chair, would likely defend the committee’s decision by emphasizing the overall process used to determine rankings. In the case of Ole Miss being ranked ahead of Tennessee, Manuel might have pointed to factors like Ole Miss’ performance against ranked teams, a strong head-to-head record, or perhaps a better win-loss margin within a tougher schedule as justification.
He could also emphasize that these rankings are fluid and can change over time, based on teams’ performances in the remainder of the season. The goal of the committee is to ensure that the teams selected for the playoffs are the most deserving and that the process is as fair as possible.
In sum, while the ranking of Ole Miss ahead of Tennessee may have raised some eyebrows, Warde Manuel would likely explain that the committee’s decision was based on a holistic evaluation of each team’s performance and other critical factors, not just a single aspect like record or a single victory. The aim is always to ensure the top four teams reflect a combination of achievement, strength, and competitiveness throughout the season.
