Originally Posted By churrasco:


No. I'm not arguing that all wins or losses are equal. I'm arguing that the system, from the polls, to FPI, to SoS is bullshit because it spits out nonsensical results. The question is why? It's because the result IS the goal.

The blind test I posted proves it. Team 1 clearly has the superior resume. Even if you want to ignore past performances, which you can't because it's one of the very real reasons that Texas > *osu =/= CANES > Famu...the system spits out the obviously wrong result using it's own criteria.

Team 1 would be ranked 100 spots above Team 2 if they switched logos.

We agree that it's way too early for any rankings, but they do exist. It is precisely because pre-season polls exist that I posted the 2025 results for both teams. The system is supposed to rank teams so that the casual fan knows who's good, but it doesn't do that because that's not the real goal. The ultimate goal is to place logos on TV that people will watch because that's what makes the most money.

The system only exists to manipulate the end result. Team 2 is ranked because they will play and lose to the system's choice. Then the system will tout that victory as a quality win vs a "ranked opponent". Meanwhile, Team 1 will lose to a superior team and because they are not ranked, the team who defeated them will earn no points. Barely anyone will notice that the game even occurred because it'll be on ESPN+. The system's choice vs Team 2 will be the primetime game on ABC.

When selection time comes, the system's choice will be a shoo-in, never in doubt because they have X number of wins vs "ranked" teams.

It's really that simple. Pattern recognition is all it takes to see that the rankings are manipulated to produce a result.

Now I'm not saying rankings shouldn't exist. At some point of course we need to rank teams in order to determine who the best teams are at the end. There should be clearly defined observable, and consistent metrics. The bottom line should be win and you're in, but in the current system that's simply not the reality for programs on the outside looking in.

BYU should have had a chance at an at large bid. They beat Utah and made to to a conference championship game, but they were left out because of Oklahoma's "ranked" wins.

Virginia should have had a chance. They went into selection Sunday with an identical record as Alabama. They played for a conference championship and lost just like Alabama. Except Bama got blown out twice 31-17 & 28-7. The sum total of Virginia's losses was by 18 points. They even had a common opponent. Speaking of the aforementioned blowouts, Alabama lost to fsu and a month later Virginia won. There was never any doubt. Bama was getting into the playoffs.

Again, it's bullshit and it has real world effects. The favored programs rake in the cash, sign the best transfers and recruits, upgrade facilities. Meanwhile, those on the outside looking in can't afford to keep their coaching staffs intact, lose their best players to the portal and never get to showcase their programs on College Gameday. It's a fucking scam.