Athletic directors at Iowa State and SMU are engaged in a spirited debate over the latest College Football Playoff rankings, sparking a social media showdown reminiscent of a 'stay off my lawn' moment.
SMU, boasting an impressive 11-1 record and a nine-game winning streak heading into the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, found themselves ranked at No. 8 in the most recent rankings. On the other hand, Iowa State, positioned at 16th place, is vying for the Big 12 title in a conference that is likely to secure only one spot in the 12-team playoff field set to be announced on Sunday.
Cyclones AD expressed his discontent with the rankings, highlighting that SMU has not faced formidable opponents such as Clemson, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, or Miami, all of which are among the top seven teams in the ACC. He also pointed out SMU's loss at home to BYU from the Big 12, suggesting that their ranking might not be entirely justified.
SMU's AD swiftly responded, defending his team's schedule strength and highlighting their impressive performance in recent games, where they spent minimal time trailing their opponents. The exchange culminated with a playful yet competitive jab from SMU's AD, urging Iowa State to 'stay off my lawn.'
The fate of both teams hangs in the balance as they approach crucial matchups. Iowa State must secure a victory to solidify their position, while SMU faces a critical game against No. 17 Clemson, with playoff implications at stake. The outcome of these games will play a significant role in determining the final playoff bracket and potential matchups.
Ultimately, the debate between the athletic directors underscores the intensity and competitiveness of college football as teams jockey for playoff contention. As the season reaches its climax, fans eagerly await the resolution of these disputes on the field, where the true merit of each team will be put to the test.
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