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CFB Playoff chair Rob Mullens explains putting Ohio State over LSU, why Penn State nudged out Clemson in Top 4
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The first College Football Playoff rankings were released on Tuesday night, creating quite a stir across the sport’s landscape.
While many seemed to agree with the rankings in general, there were some nit-picky items that certainly surfaced after the rankings were released. Two major talking points Tuesday night was the committee’s decision to give Ohio State the nod to the No. 1 spot over LSU, as well as giving Penn State the edge into the No. 4 spot over Clemson.
Neither of those decisions are too crazy, but there were some questions about what gave the two B1G schools the edge over LSU and Clemson. Committee chair Rob Mullens was asked those questions during the teleconference after the rankings were released.
The most intriguing decision was to place Penn State over defending champion Clemson, on that many believed the committee wouldn’t make.
“You know, we had a lengthy discussion about Penn State and Clemson, two really, really good teams, both strong defensively. In the end, what it came down to, and again, much debate, Penn State has marquee wins against 14th-ranked Michigan and a road win at 18th-ranked Iowa,” Mullens said. “In addition, they have a non-conference win over Pitt, which is a pretty good win at this point. So sure, the close win over North Carolina is a factor because we’re looking at the entire resume, and what we see with Clemson is an impressive team, an offense that’s improved in the last few weeks, outstanding quarterback, outstanding running back. I hope that answers your question.”
Mullens explanations is pretty logical, considering Penn State has two wins over ranked teams, sits 8-0 and got a non-conference win over Pitt early in the year.
The Nittany Lions get an opportunity to add another marquee win this week against No. 17 Minnesota.
Many also were interested by Ohio State’s No. 1 ranking over No. 2 LSU. The Buckeyes have been considered to be the best team in the country, but the Tigers resumé has been argued as the best in the country through the first two months of the season.
“I mean, we’re looking at the whole schedule, and sure, we recognize that LSU went on the road and beat a Texas team. We recognize that Ohio State beat a Cincinnati team that’s ranked,” Mullens said. “So sure, we look at all the games, conference and non-conference, and both these teams have strong schedules.”
Mullens continued by saying that Ohio State hasn’t just beaten good competition, it’s been one of the more explosive and consistent teams in college football.
“Obviously we have data. They’re highly ranked in just about every statistical category, both offensively and defensively,” he said. “Again, when you watch their games, they play at a consistent high level. Again, on both sides of the ball, explosive offensive playmakers, outstanding defense, probably the best defensive player in the country at this point. Very efficient, very consistent.”
The next College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB