COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the College Football Playoff committee released its first 2019 rankings, everything seemed so clear and uncomplicated. Ohio State had the best strength of schedule among the contenders. It had the best measurable performance per the various computer rankings. The Buckeyes were a predictable choice for No. 1, and even more predictably, were passed by LSU after the Tigers’ win over Alabama one week later. So neat, so tidy. So much for that. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the 2020 season, it is much more difficult to make clear judgments. Results should trump roster and reputation. Having only played four games, Ohio State has more of the latter than the former. The stated criteria for the selection committee deal with how to differentiate between comparable teams. That very term is difficult to define in 2020. Last season, all of the contenders had played either eight…
Continue Reading: College Football Playoff predictor: Where will Ohio State be in the first rankings?
