Get ready for a heated debate, folks! The College Football Playoff rankings are about to drop, and the Big 12 is making its case for multiple bids. Commissioner Brett Yormark is leading the charge, arguing that the league deserves its fair share in this year's expanded 12-team playoff. But here's where it gets interesting... and controversial!
The Big 12's Push for Recognition
With the penultimate rankings set to be revealed, the Big 12 is presenting a united front. Yormark believes that the outcome of the upcoming Big 12 title game shouldn't impact their bid for two spots in the playoff. Currently, No. 5 Texas Tech is comfortably within the projected field, but No. 11 BYU, with an impressive 11-1 record, remains on the outside looking in. If the brackets were finalized today, BYU would be left out despite their impressive resume.
Yormark further emphasizes that BYU's resume outshines several teams ranked ahead of them, including Notre Dame. He urges us to look beyond the logos and focus on the numbers.
BYU vs. Notre Dame: A Blind Comparison
When we compare the resumes of BYU and Notre Dame, the numbers speak for themselves. BYU boasts a better overall record, a stronger schedule, and a more impressive strength of record. Yet, Notre Dame is ranked higher. Yormark is confident that the College Football Playoff committee will recognize BYU's merit and give them their due.
Here's a quick breakdown of the key metrics:
| Team | Record | Strength of Schedule | Strength of Record |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| No. 9 Notre Dame | 10-2 | 42 | 13 |
| No. 11 BYU | 11-1 | 35 | 6 |
| No. 12 Miami | 10-2 | 44 | 14 |
| No. 16 Texas | 9-3 | 8 | 12 |
These numbers, sourced from ESPN's Football Power Index, highlight the disparity between BYU's performance and their ranking.
The Big 12's Case for Depth and Competitiveness
This argument holds significant weight for the Big 12, especially considering last year's playoff snub. In the inaugural season of the 12-team format, the conference managed to place only one team, Arizona State, in the playoff. This year, the Big 12 aims to prove that its top teams can compete on a national level and shouldn't be overlooked in favor of the SEC or Big Ten.
Yormark emphasizes the depth of the conference, stating, "I think we're the deepest conference in America. We've earned our spot on the field, and I anticipate continuing to do so."
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire agrees, noting that discussions often focus on logos rather than actual achievements. He highlights how BYU and Texas Tech are being overlooked despite their superior numbers.
The Bigger Picture: Political Maneuvering
As the Big 12 makes its case, other coaches and programs across the country are also lobbying for their teams. Clark Lea advocates for Vanderbilt, while Mario Cristobal and Steve Sarkisian push for Miami and Texas, respectively. As the season reaches its climax, political positioning becomes just as crucial as on-field performance.
So, what do you think? Should BYU's impressive resume earn them a spot in the playoff? Or is there another team you believe deserves recognition? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this controversial topic!
