Big Ten Daily (Dec. 5): Rick Neuheisel Blasts Playoff Committee for Michigan's No. 1 Ranking

When the College Football Playoff selection committee released its final rankings on Sunday, not many argued with Michigan's spot at No. 1. Then, former Washington coach and current CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel chimed in on the subject.

Neuheisel went on a verbal rampage while making an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show Monday. He took exception with Michigan getting the No. 1 spot over Washington.

“I think Washington should be the No. 1 team, Dan. I mean Washington was in the better conference this year, the Pac-12 is a better conference,” Neuheisel argued. “They beat Oregon twice. Michigan has the Ohio State victory, who’s already jettisoned (quarterback Kyle McCord).”

Neuheisel didn't make the claim strictly off opinion. He brought facts and statistics to the argument. And the case against the Wolverines was a strong one.

“Michigan’s victories are — Iowa was 133rd in offense. Michigan State was 128th in offense, Minnesota was 125th, Rutgers was 123rd, Nebraska was 118, Indiana was 101st, East Carolina was 130th and Bowling Green was 105th,” he said. “That’s their schedule, and they had 1.9 yards per carry against Iowa, less than 5 yards an attempt against Iowa. Washington should be 1.”

Both Michigan and Washington completed their seasons with perfect 13-0 records. The Wolverines defeated three ranked opponents: No. 7 Ohio State, No. 10 Penn State and No. 17 Iowa. The Huskies beat four top-25 teams: No. 8 Oregon (twice), No. 14 Arizona and No. 19 Oregon State.

“The only metric that can say Washington is behind Michigan is game control,” said Neuheisel. “Michigan pounded lesser opponents, and I just went through that résumé list.”

Michigan was praised for its dominance throughout a majority of the season. But, as Neuheisel pointed out, the Wolverines flexed their muscles against a fairly weak schedule.

In the end, though, Washington might be in a better spot at No. 2. The Huskies avoid playing Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff, which is coming off an upset win over two-time defending national champion Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Perhaps Washington deserved that No. 1 ranking, but Kalen DeBoer and the Huskies are probably just fine avoiding the Crimson Tide in the first contest.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Named Heisman Finalist

Marvin Harrison Jr. is heading to New York City. The Ohio State wide receiver is one of four finalists for the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

Harrison is the only non-quarterback to be named a finalist this year. The other three to receive the honor are Oregon's Bo Nix, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Washington's Michael Penix Jr.

Harrison ended the 2023 season with 1,211 receiving yards, ranking ninth nationally. His 14 touchdown catches tied for second-most in the country. The receiver also averaged 18.1 yards per reception.

Over the course of the season, Harrison proved to be one of the most reliable targets in the game. He ended the year with eight 100-yard games. 

The Big Ten has not produced a Heisman Trophy winner since Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006.

Dylan Harper Sets Commitment Date

One of the top basketball recruits in the 2024 recruiting class has set his commitment date. Fans won't have to wait much longer to learn where Dylan Harper will play college basketball.

Harper, a five-star combo guard per 247Sports, will announce his commitment on Wednesday, Dec. 6. He is deciding between Duke, Rutgers, Indiana, Auburn and Kansas.

The 6-foot-6 guard is listed as the No. 2 overall prospect in the class. He is the younger brother of former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr.

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