College Football Playoff Bracket Sparks SEC Bias Debate

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Committee’s Bracket Projection Delivers Major Surprises

I expected Ohio State to be projected to win the Big 10. My predicted bracket had Miami at No. 1, Georgia at No. 2, Utah at No. 3 and Ohio State at No. 4.

I also had Texas in the field at No. 11, Alabama at No. 9 and Indiana at No. 5. Indiana would have a good chance to win the Big 10 if Ohio State stumbled. I expected Boise State to be the Group of 5 participant.

I am biased toward the SEC, but even I was surprised when the committee revealed its bracket. Five of the top 10 teams and seven of the top 14 came from the Southeastern Conference.

Indiana was ranked No. 4 and projected to win the Big 10, even though Ohio State beat Indiana and was left out of the bracket. Alabama was in the field at No. 5 despite losing to Tennessee, which was not included.

Notre Dame was ranked No. 11, taking the final at-large bid, while Boise State entered at No. 12 as the Group of 5 participant. The Irish face Miami on Saturday, and if they do not win, they are out.

There is still a lot of football to be played before the final bracket is revealed, but the projection was comical. Like Germ Dog, I watched it wondering what the committee had done.