TCU at No. 7: 'Brand bias' or lack of balance?
Twitter fingers raced earlier this week after the College Football Playoff committee released its first Top 25. Much of the chatter centered on undefeated TCU (8-0), which was ranked No. 7.
Did the committee snub the Frogs?
In explaining the committee's rationale, chair Boo Corrigan said the panel was “looking for a balanced team, offense and defense. They’ve gotten behind in games."
But many believe there is more to TCU’s position than X’s and O’s.
Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt jumped to the defense of the Horned Frogs, claiming they were “snubbed” and called it “brand bias.”
ESPN’s Bill Connelly also leaped into the fray, denouncing the logic behind the decision.
The common theme among the early responses seemed to center on TCU coming in lower than undefeated Clemson (8-0). The Tigers earned the No. 4 ranking—the final spot in the playoff if it were to start today.
The ESPN College Football Power Index lends credence to the complaints of Klatt, Connelly and the like as TCU comes in with the third-highest strength of record. Clemson owns the fourth-rated strength of record.
Additionally, the Horned Frogs have a more difficult schedule, per the FPI. TCU’s schedule rates 63rd in the nation; Clemson's 72nd.
The claim from the committee that TCU lacks balance is valid. The Horned Frogs rank fourth in total offense and 89th in total defense. But the committee claim rings hollow because Tennessee received the top overall spot with a similarly lopsided team. The Volunteers rank first in offense and 80th in defense.
The committee blew it with TCU’s ranking.
W
ith the 10th-most difficult remaining schedule, TCU can prove its worthiness for the CFP final four by winning out and leaving the committee no choice.
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