TCU was outright ignored in Tuesdays release of the playoff rankings.
In fact, the majority of the Big 12 conference was.
To recap, Oklahoma came in at No. 4, TCU at No. 12 and Oklahoma State at No. 19.
The Cowboys might be the lone team put in a proper spot, as OSU has struggled throughout the year to keep up with high expectations. Three losses at home make the Pokes look like a No. 20 team, and it’s fair to ask if they could beat teams that are ranked above them.
The wrongdoing really begins with TCU. The Horned Frogs at No. 12, not moving a bit after a very impressive win. Granted, against a poor Texas Tech team, it still dominated. TCU went into Lubbock, down multiple starters and kept the Kliff Kingsbury-led team from scoring a single touchdown.
Let’s remember the Red Raiders have been a squad scaring opponents with offense for years. This year alone, they have scored 35-plus in six games.
The Horned Frogs wins are still good. Going to Stillwater and winning, beating a high-powered West Virginia team and more have kept them in the top 15. They are still fighting for a Big 12 and will play Oklahoma for the championship in a few weeks.
Putting TCU under teams like Penn State, USC and Notre Dame didn’t say much immediately, but it’s really the tip of what the playoff committee is saying.
OU was also disrespected. Although it did not play anyone good, as it beat up on one-win Kansas, it’s still one of the best teams in the country. Led by Heisman-favorite Baker Mayfield, this offense has proven it’s up there with the best and may be just that.
Placed behind Clemson and Miami is showing the ACC will get more respect when it comes to decision time. Neither Miami or Clemson has had perfect years, and that’s not to say OU has. But the Sooners’ loss to Iowa State is much better than losing to Syracuse, if you’re keeping track of losses. Instead, Kirby Hocutt says the exact opposite.
“Well, we start with a clean sheet of paper every week,” Hocutt said. “Every team has an opportunity to strengthen their resume. When we talk about Clemson’s loss to Syracuse, that’s a team Miami beat. Oklahoma’s loss was in Norman, so, we keep all of those things into consideration.”
If Oklahoma wins the Big 12, it will likely end up in the playoffs. It’s shown it’s capability in multiple games this year and will probably be forgiven for its loss to Iowa State. But should it lose the conference championship, its drop to a No. 8 would not be a surprise.
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