Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield’s a bit confused. In comments leading up to this week’s Bedlam game, Mayfield discussed not understanding how Ohio State and Penn State could be ranked ahead of his Sooners in the AP poll. OU’s No. 8, while the team it beat in Columbus is No. 3. His head coach, Lincoln Riley, says the same thing.
Baker Mayfield can’t see how Ohio State and Penn State could be ranked ahead of the Sooners, and he has a point
When the initial Playoff rankings get released, the Sooners might be behind a team they beat handily.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Ohio State probably won’t be No. 3 in the actual Playoff rankings, but it could still be ahead of the Sooners.
I feel Mayfield here, particularly as it pertains to the Buckeyes. His team didn’t just beat Ohio State on the field, Oklahoma dominated the Buckeyes in Columbus. It was a massive road win.
But seasons are more than one game long, and Ohio State’s resume is comparable right now to Oklahoma’s.
- The Buckeyes’ loss to Oklahoma looks a little better than Oklahoma’s loss to Iowa State.
- Ohio State does have a top-10 win of its own, albeit a close one at home.
- Ohio State has also dominated lesser teams, while the Sooners were pushed to the brink by Baylor, Texas, and Kansas State.
- One simple strength-of-schedule measure, similar to those the committee uses, credits the Buckeyes with a slightly tougher schedule.
Even if Ohio State is ahead of Oklahoma in these first CFP rankings, it won’t be by a wide margin.
Our own projected rankings have them lumped in the 4-to-6 range in some order, along with Clemson.
The season is far from over. Resumes are far from complete.
Oklahoma still controls its destiny and has a big opportunity to fill out things this week against rival Oklahoma State.
Never panic over initial Playoff rankings (not that Mayfield is doing that here). They don’t matter until season’s end. We promise.
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