In the aftermath of Alabama's stunning home loss to Texas in Week 2, the Tide looked dead in the water. The case is compelling for each of the contenders.

If Alabama's L had come against anyone else, the committee's job would be far simpler, but that head-to-head win is the underpinning of all the controversy that awaits. The Seminoles racked up seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 10 pass break-ups and may have given Jack Plummer a wedgie at midfield just for laughs.Ĭredit Iowa's offense for Step 3 because it made Michigan's life easy Saturday and also because no one has ever typed 'Credit Iowa's offense' before and we wanted to see how it felt.Īnd credit Texas for Step 4, not just for Saturday's Big 12 title win against an overmatched Oklahoma State, but for beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa back in September. Saban's Tide toppled the season's biggest domino, upending two-time defending champion Georgia 27-24 in the SEC championship game.Ĭredit Florida State's suffocating defense for Step 2. Here we are, on the heels of the final playoff rankings in the final year of the four-team format, and the committee has a mess on its hands.Ĭredit Nick Saban for Step 1 of Operation Chaos.

What little controversy it endured - Ohio State in 20, Alabama in 2017 - was largely from a vocal minority because the toughest calls were always determined on the field. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĬollege football Champ Week highlights: Top plays, games, takeawaysĬollege Football, Washington Huskies, Oregon Ducks, Texas Longhorns, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Colorado Buffaloes, Michigan Wolverines, Texas State Bobcats, Nevada Wolf Pack, South Carolina Gamecocks, Pittsburgh Panthers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, SMU Mustangs, Tulane Green Wave, Florida State Seminoles, Louisville Cardinals, Iowa Hawkeyesįor nine years, the selection committee lived in relative comfort, gifted by the college football gods one relatively easy decision after another, a choice between paper or plastic - one that might be better, one that's easier, neither particularly important.

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