Penn State is ranked sixth in the first College Football Playoff rankings, unveiled Tuesday with four games left before conference championships but at least one analyst thinks that’s too high.
If the playoffs started today, PSU would be the No. 7 seed and host No. 10 Notre Dame in the program’s first CFP game.
Sitting at 7-1 following a 20-13 loss to Ohio State, Penn State draws criticism from national pundits who believe PSU hasn’t done enough to clinch a playoff spot.
On3 analyst Ari Wasserman is one of the leading doubters of Penn State, compared to two other programs. Wasserman claims Penn State ranks ahead of No. 8 Indiana and No. 13 SMU “because of its logo.”
“Someone, anyone explain how one-loss Penn State, who came in at No. 6, is ranked higher than No. 8 Indiana, who remains undefeated,” Wasserman said. “And for that matter, how are the Nittany Lions ranked seven spots ahead of No. 13 SMU?”
Wasserman balanced resumes between the three teams and favored the Hoosiers, despite saying, “Yes, Indiana hasn’t played anyone this year.”
Penn State ranks significantly higher in Sagarin (32) and FPI strength of schedule (28) compared to SMU (60, 71) and Indiana (81, 103). SMU’s best win came against No. 18 Pitt (48-25) last week but it also lost 18-15 to BYU Sept. 6. SMU’s +296 point differential is impressive despite playing a weak schedule with Florida State (1-7) being a significant disappointment.
Michigan Athletic Director and College Football Playoff Chair Warde Manuel explained why PSU earned the No. 6 position.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“They have wins over Illinois and Southern Cal in overtime, an opening win at West Virginia, which is difficult to play,” Manuel said. “So we looked at their body of work.”
Skeptics wondered why 7-1 Tennessee slotted one spot behind Penn State, despite a 24-17 win against Alabama.
“Looking at (Penn State’s) resume, looking at what we’ve seen, the offensive performance, their tight end Tyler Warren is a dominating force on offense. So I just think Penn State, in terms of their body of work and what the committee saw in terms of their body of work, that came to the ranking of Penn State at No. 6 and Tennessee at No. 7.”
Wasserman argued that Indiana has won all of its games by 14 or more points and that PSU’s most impressive feat was keeping up with No. 2 Ohio State.
“You’re saying the strength of schedule is more important than whether a team actually won or lost? You’re saying Penn State’s loss to Ohio State is the most impressive thing on its resume?” Wasserman said. “You’re saying Penn State gets credit for beating West Virginia and USC when both of those teams have been bad?”
Ohio State hosts Indiana on Nov. 23 in Columbus, giving the Hoosiers and Curt Cignetti the chance to prove their dream season is for real.
PSU welcomes new Big Ten foe Washington to Beaver Stadium Saturday at 8 p.m. on Peacock. The date marks Penn State’s 20th annual White Out game.
