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Jay Bilas ‘stunned’ by Indiana’s College Football Playoff ranking

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas took some time during Wednesday night’s primetime showdown between Indiana and Florida State to discuss the College Football Playoff.

Bilas said he was “stunned” when Indiana was ranked No. 12 despite defeating Wisconsin the week before.

He especially took aim at the committee’s ranking of No. 7 Iowa State, who has losses to Louisiana and Oklahoma State on its record. Indiana is 6-1 with its lone loss coming against Ohio State.

“Really surprised that Iowa State was ranked above Cincinnati and that Indiana was 12th,” Bilas said. “That stunned me that Iowa State could lose to Louisiana, and they’re ahead of the Hoosiers. That was really surprising.”

Here’s video of Bilas’ comments:

It’s possible the committee is taking Indiana’s injury situation into account. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season with a knee injury. However, backup QB Jack Tuttle was able to defeat Wisconsin last week so perhaps that shouldn’t be weighted so heavily.

Bilas isn’t the only one to take issue with Iowa State being ranked No. 7. The Cyclones (8-2) do have wins over Oklahoma and Texas, but the losses are puzzling.

However, this problem will likely work itself out for the Hoosiers. Iowa State and Oklahoma will play in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 19, with the loser almost certainly to fall below Indiana in the CFP rankings.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.