In this episode of the Power 2 pod, hosts Andy and Jason delve into the complexities of the college football playoff rankings. They discuss the surprising inclusion of Tennessee, the implications of strength of schedule, and the significance of losses in determining playoff eligibility. The conversation also highlights the importance of head-to-head matchups and looks ahead to future games that could impact rankings. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need to reward winning and the challenges faced by the committee in making fair assessments.

• Tennessee's playoff position is surprising given their key victories.
• Strength of schedule plays a crucial role in rankings.
• Winning should be prioritized over the quality of losses.
• Head-to-head matchups are essential in ranking teams.
• Future matchups will significantly impact playoff standings.
• Indiana's undefeated record is being undervalued due to schedule strength.
• Losses to unranked teams should be heavily considered.
• The committee faces challenges in justifying rankings based on various factors.
• Winning games is the best way to secure a playoff spot.
• The current rankings are likely to change as the season progresses.

Summary

In this episode, Andy and Jason preview Week 11 of college football, focusing on key matchups in the SEC, including the crucial Alabama vs. LSU game, which is deemed an elimination game for both teams. They discuss the implications of the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game, Oklahoma's struggles under Brent Venables, and the importance of the Michigan vs. Indiana matchup. The episode also highlights Penn State's need for a strong performance in their whiteout game and provides betting insights for the week.

Takeaways

• Alabama vs. LSU is a crucial elimination game.
• Georgia's defense has improved significantly this season.
• Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss struggles in big games.
• Oklahoma is facing challenges under Brent Venables.
• Indiana needs a strong performance against Michigan.
• Penn State must prove they are still a top team.
• Tennessee's offense is not as explosive as before.
• Vanderbilt is showing improvement this season.
• Betting insights are crucial for Week 11.
• Locks of the week can help guide betting decisions.

The conversation delves into the initial college football rankings, focusing on Indiana's position and the implications of strength of schedule versus performance. The hosts discuss the concept of 'good losses' and how they affect rankings, particularly for teams like Ohio State and Georgia. They also explore the prospects of Group of Five teams like Boise State, the dynamics within the ACC and Big 12, and the competitive landscape of the SEC and Big Ten. The discussion wraps up with a look at Penn State's ranking and the importance of body of work in the committee's decisions.

Takeaways

• Indiana feels slighted in the initial rankings.
• Strength of schedule impacts rankings significantly.
• Eye test shows Indiana's dominance over opponents.
• Good losses should not be a factor in rankings.
• Boise State's potential ranking is limited by conference bias.
• ACC may secure two playoff spots this year.
• SEC and Big Ten dominate college football rankings.
• Georgia's upcoming games could impact their ranking.
• Penn State's ranking reflects their overall performance.
• The committee values body of work in rankings

Sound Bites

• "Good losses shouldn't matter."
• "Boise State's ceiling is nine."
• "ACC could get two teams in."