You'd think that when number two in the polls plays number four, and number two just barely wins, that's exactly what would be expected, so the polls must have had it right, at least in terms of relative ranking.

So why did Ohio State drop to number nine?

The argument presumably is because they shouldn't now be rated above so many teams with no losses, but the only reason those teams don't have losses could be because they haven't played Texas or USC (or Ohio State). I remember back in the eighties when number one and number two played each other during the season (I think it was Michigan and Iowa, but it might have been Michigan State and Iowa), and number one eked out a win against number two. By any consistent logic, they both should have retained their rankings. The fact that number two fell then, and tOSU fell today, is a testament to the fundamental irrationality of the process.

They just need to get it over with and implement a playoff system for collegiate football.

But the ranking system would still come into play for determining playoff matches. Sure, you could say that certain conference champs get in the playoffs, but how to determine which other teams get in?

I figure you take 16 teams and start playoff bowl games a week after the conference champ games.

For example, this year, the first round of eight games would be on 12/10 and 12/11. Then, the second round of four games on 12/17 and 12/18. The semifinals would be on 12/24 or 12/25, perfect for Christmas viewing, with the championship on New Year's Eve or Day, take your pick.

Convert 15 of the current bowl games into the playoff games, and let the rest of the small bowls pick and choose other teams to play in them.

An alternative would be to have 24 or 32 playoff teams, and extend the schedule a week into January for the championship game.

Oh yeah...

Hook 'em Horns!

I have had that same question for several decades. If #1 beats #2 by a narrow margin, that just proves the ratings were correct, unless someone thinks #3 would have lost by an even thinner margin. But that doesn't take into account the sentimental attachment to record that some have. Wasn't it sometime in the 70's that BYU was national champ based on an undefeated season. There were probably 5 or 6 teams that would have been favored in a match up but BYU was undefeated. (I think BYU beat a 6-5 Michigan State team 24-14(?) in the Holiday Bowl that season).

More Interesting Illogical Facts:

Unranked Iowa State beat #9 Iowa rather decisively 23-3. So, guess what the rankings of those two teams are this week.

Yup, Iowa is #22 and Iowa State is #24.

Go figure...