The College Football Playoff committee ranked the Ohio State Buckeyes No. 2 and the Georgia Bulldogs No. 3 in one of the biggest surprises of the initial playoff rankings.
The CFP selection committee chair Warde Manuel explained their decision to rank the Buckeyes over Georgia.
“Well, they both had great wins… in terms of on the road Ohio State won at Penn State this week… Georgia at Texas. But what we felt is that in terms of the losses they had, Ohio State lost to No. 1 Oregon by one and Georgia lost at Alabama, who is ranked No. 11. So that was really the difference,” said the selection committee chair.
“We’re splitting hairs in terms of looking at two great teams,” continued Manuel.
The committee’s decision to rank Ohio State over Georgia is a bit of a surprise. The Buckeyes have four Power Four wins this season, one ranked win, and are 2-1 in road games. Georgia has six Power Four wins, two ranked wins, and are 2-1 in road games.
“Those things (Georgia’s recent subpar performances) we took into consideration as a part of the discussion. And ultimately the vote, when it came out, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and Georgia was No. 3,” explained Manuel.
Georgia has not exactly looked consistent according to the eye test this season, but there’s no denying that Georgia has more impressive wins than Ohio State. The Bulldogs beat No. 23 Clemson at a neutral site and No. 5 Texas on the road.
Georgia’s next chance to impress the playoff committee will be on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET against the No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels.
