Was the 2019 College Football Playoff Ranking Correct for LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, and Oklahoma?
In the highly anticipated 2019 College Football Playoff, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, and Oklahoma were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively. A closer look at the performances and rankings of each team reveals a fascinating analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
LSU: The DominantSEC Champion
LSU had a remarkable season, showcasing a strong resume and dominating its competition. The LSU Tigers thrived in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship, where they exhibited overwhelming power against Georgia. Their performance against Georgia was not just a win but a significant blow, as LSU completely dismantled the Bulldogs. In the context of the playoff, LSU's dominance in the SEC and its impressive performance against one of the best teams in the nation solidified its position as the top seed.
Ohio State: A Mixed Bag
Ohio State's ranking at 2nd was not surprising, but an in-depth analysis of their season reveals a complicated picture. While the Buckeyes had a strong regular season, their performance in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin was underwhelming. This loss showcased their Achilles' heel, as they appeared vulnerable when facing top-tier competition. Ohio State's resume, while impressive, includes a significant blemish that would affect their playoff ranking.
Clemson: Consistent Dominance
Clemson’s ranking at 3rd in the 2019 College Football Playoff was justified by their consistent and strong season. Despite playing in an unimpressive conference, Clemson outperformed its opponents across the board. Their performances were particularly noteworthy against Virginia. Clemsons won a hard-fought game against a Virginia team that had just won a significant victory against Virginia Tech. Their consistent dominance, including their powerful win against a strong Virginia team, positioning them as a viable contender for the playoff.
Oklahoma: Resilient and Competitive
Oklahoma's ranking at 4th was a testament to their resilience and consistency. Although they faced losses, including a close one against Kansas State at Kansas State, they demonstrated a will to fight through adversity. Their victory against Baylor, which was a crucial game for them, highlighted their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Despite the loss to Kansas State, which was a quality loss in a tough environment, Oklahoma's resurgence in their last game against a competitive Baylor asserted their position as a formidable opponent.
Committee Considerations
The committee in charge of the 2019 College Football Playoff ranking system evaluated several factors to determine the teams' rankings. These included the resume strength, quality of opponents, eye test, skill level, quality wins, quality losses, hard-fought games, and how teams dealt with adversity. LSU's unquestionable dominance in the SEC and against Georgia, along with its tough schedule, made it a clear top seed. Ohio State's underwhelming performance in the Big Ten Championship and a loss to a mediocre team were significant drawbacks in their ranking. Clemson's consistent performance and convincing wins, especially against Virginia, secured its third position. Oklahoma's resilience and strong finish against a tough Baylor team helped cement its fourth-place ranking.
Conclusion
The 2019 College Football Playoff rankings for LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, and Oklahoma were indeed correct. Each team's performance, resume, and how they handled adversity played a crucial role in their rankings. The playoff system's comprehensive and nuanced considerations ensured that the best teams were selected, providing an exciting and competitive final event for football fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why was LSU ranked 1st?
LSU was ranked 1st due to its dominance in the SEC and its impressive performance against Georgia, showcasing a strong resume and skill level.
Q2: Why was Ohio State ranked 2nd with a loss to Wisconsin?
Ohio State was ranked 2nd despite losing to Wisconsin due to its overall strong resume, including wins against top-tier opponents, but the loss to Wisconsin highlighted their vulnerability.
Q3: Why was Clemson ranked 3rd in the 2019 College Football Playoff?
Clemson was ranked 3rd because of its consistent performance, difficult schedule, and significant wins, especially against Virginia.
Q4: Why was Oklahoma ranked 4th with a loss to Kansas State?
Oklahoma was ranked 4th because of its resilience, strong finish against Baylor, and overall competitiveness, even with a challenging loss to Kansas State.