College Football Playoff Top 25 Analysis: Oregon at No. 4 is a Joke
Nov 1, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Beckwith (66) celebrates with the fans during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeat the Razorbacks 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The Selection Committee’s Biggest Homerun Decision:
1. Mississippi State, Florida State, and Auburn at No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3
We agree with this one. As shown in our own Top 25, the Mississippi State Bulldogs have played one of the toughest schedules, and being the only undefeated SEC West team is enough for the No. 1 ranking. Even with the struggle against Arkansas, the Selection Committee got it right keeping this team at the top.
Florida State’s schedule is questionable, but their No. 2 ranking at least is earned by being one of the only two undefeated Power Five teams in the country. Even if they’re having to come back in games, they still deserve this spot and shouldn’t lose it until they lose.
It’s safe to say we agree with the Selection Committee’s Top 3. If they were going to give preferential treatment to conference champions, we would say different. But they’re not, and we can respect that, so Auburn belongs at No. 3. Despite stealing a win against Ole Miss, the Tigers have played the toughest schedule of any 1-loss team, and their only loss is to Mississippi State. They belong here.
This is clearly the correct Top 3 right now, even if Oregon doesn’t belong at No. 4. It’s enough for us to say these guys, and girls, got some things right.