Who should be in the CFP? - Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron Episode: Who Should Be in the CFP Release Date: December 8, 2024

Introduction to Selection Sunday and the 12-Team Playoff

In this episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf delve into the intricacies of the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections. With the introduction of a 12-team playoff system, the hosts explore the potential implications, controversies, and standout teams vying for a coveted spot.

"Myron Metcalf: It really feels like the real thing. Is Alabama actually going to be left out?" (04:30)

Key Contenders and Performance Analysis

The discussion begins with an analysis of top-performing teams such as Georgia, Oregon, and SMU. The hosts examine Oregon's undefeated regular season and Georgia's overtime victory, highlighting their strengths and the challenges they may face in the playoff.

"Myron Metcalf: If you pick SMU, there are going to be haters who say you don't have to schedule a strong slate to get into the playoff." (02:15)

The SMU vs. Alabama Debate

A significant portion of the episode centers on the contentious debate over whether SMU or Alabama deserves a playoff berth. Despite SMU's narrow loss in the ACC championship game, questions arise about their overall strength and the impact of their defeat on the CFP standings. Conversely, Alabama's brand recognition and consistent performance are scrutinized, especially after their surprising losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

"Marc Kesterscher: When I say Alabama, I have a hard time imagining Alabama actually being left out." (03:00)

"Myron Metcalf: It feels a little bit like almost like the Grammys, Gabe. It's like Bama's Taylor Swift versus SMU's Shabuzy." (03:15)

Committee Standards and Future Implications

The hosts debate the CFP committee's criteria, questioning whether the current standards adequately reflect team performances or if they are swayed by brand prestige. They express concerns about the potential long-term effects of this decision on future playoff selections and the overall integrity of the CFP system.

"Marc Kesterscher: This is really the only one that matters. Is Alabama actually going to be left out?" (03:30)

"Myron Metcalf: If you choose to penalize conference championship losses, it sends a dangerous message to teams going forward." (05:27)

Insights from SMU's Head Coach Rhett Lashley

Rhett Lashley, SMU's head coach, is featured discussing his team's exclusion. He passionately asserts that SMU deserves a spot in the CFP despite their loss, emphasizing the team's performance and the significance of their participation in the championship game.

"Rhett Lashley: It'd be criminal if we're not in. It'd be wrong on so many levels." (05:43)

Caller Perspectives and Community Opinions

Throughout the episode, callers share their viewpoints, adding depth to the conversation. One caller, Peyton from Arizona, argues against Alabama's inclusion due to their recent losses and questions the consistency of the CFP committee's decisions.

"Peyton: If Alabama gets in, that is kind of crazy, just due to the fact that they have three losses." (16:05)

Another caller, Rob from South Carolina, highlights the inconsistent application of criteria, pointing out that Florida State was excluded even after injury setbacks.

"Rob: They pick and choose whether it's eye test for some teams or it's resume for some teams. It's not consistent." (18:32)

Future of the CFP and Potential Expansion

The hosts speculate on the future of the CFP, considering the possibility of expanding to 16 teams if controversies like excluding Alabama persist. They discuss how such changes could alter the landscape of college football, ensuring that all major conferences remain competitive and relevant.

"Myron Metcalf: If Alabama's out, we're going to 16 like tonight. You know what I mean?" (31:10)

"Jordan: Let's just put Alabama and have a 16 team playoff next year because you know how the SEC is." (31:06)

Concluding Thoughts and Final Predictions

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Myron offer their final predictions on the CFP selections. They express skepticism about certain teams' qualifications and reaffirm their belief in the committee's ability to make informed decisions, while also remaining open to potential upsets and surprises in the playoff rankings.

"Marc Kesterscher: How do we deal with this? And the one thing they have to balance is keeping conference championships relevant." (08:05)

Notable Quotes

Myron Metcalf (02:03): "If you pick SMU, they're gonna be a whole bunch of haters who say you don't have to schedule a strong slate to get into the playoff."
Marc Kesterscher (03:30): "The committee, whatever they do this year will affect, I think, teams in the future as well."
Rhett Lashley (05:43): "It'd be criminal if we're not in. It'd be wrong on so many levels."
Peyton (16:05): "If Alabama gets in, that is kind of crazy, just due to the fact that they have three losses."
Jordan (31:06): "Let's just put Alabama and have a 16 team playoff next year because you know how the SEC is."

Conclusion

This episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron offers a comprehensive examination of the CFP selection process, highlighting the complexities and debates surrounding team inclusions. Through expert analysis, passionate opinions, and engaging discussions, Matt and Myron provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the factors influencing the College Football Playoff and its future trajectory.

Transcript

Myron Metcalf (0:00)

Craven the hunter who uses all the methods of the animals.

Gabe Neitzel (0:06)

This Thursday, Once you're on his list.

Rhett Lashley (0:08)

There'S only one way off.

Myron Metcalf (0:10)

Are you like your father?

Marc Kesterscher (0:12)

He puts evil into the world and get rid of people like him. Who's next?

Gabe Neitzel (0:17)

Witness the making of a new Marvel villain.

Rhett Lashley (0:19)

You think you have some kind of honor?

Gabe Neitzel (0:21)

You're a criminal just like our father. Aaron Taylor Johnson is Kraven the Hunter. Rated R under 17, 90 minute without parent. In theaters Thursday. This is Matt and Myron, the podcast.

Marc Kesterscher (0:34)

Sunday morning countdown to kickoff. Call us whatever you want here on ESPN Radio and the ESPN app. Yeah, we're going to be hanging out here no matter what you call us. Sirius XM channel 80. Along with Myron Metcalf. I am Gabe Neitzel, ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. It is selection Sunday, Championship Saturday in the books. And we're kind of wondering what this is all going to look like. First time ever we have a 12 team playoff that is going to be selected today. And make sure you're keep it right here on ESPN Radio because College Football Playoff selection day is here on ESPN Radio from noon to 2pm Eastern with Marc Kesterscher and Ian Fitzsimmons. So make sure you stick around for that. And really, after all the things that happened yesterday, whether it's Georgia winning in overtime, Oregon completing an undefeated regular season, the big question today, Myron, has nothing to do with those teams. It has to do with one team that lost a very tight one in the ACC championship game. Clemson, we know is in as a conference champion. But is SMU in after their loss 34, 31 yesterday, are they going to is that win by Clemson, does that knock out Alabama? Where does this all end up falling is the biggest question heading into today. And how is the committee after last week saying, oh, conference championship games can't really punish a lot of those teams. But does the possibility exist that SMU does indeed get punished and they're left out?

Myron Metcalf (2:03)

Yeah, I mean, I think that's gonna be a question, right, like at the end of the day, Gabe, we're gonna find out like what the committee standard is, you know, whether they stay at 12 or move on to 16 or beyond. We'll find out with these rankings what they believe it takes to get into the field. Because I think, you know, if you pick smu, they're gonna be a whole bunch of haters who say, okay, well, you don't have to schedule a strong schedule. Right? You don't, you don't have to, you know, face an imposing Slate in order to get into the playoff. And if you pick Alabama, there are going to be a whole lot of people who say, well, then what's the point of conference championships? Because you would have Alabama, Indiana, Ohio State, a number of teams that didn't make the title game who are still going to be in the playoffs. So, you know, I think the committee will tell you who it is and what it is. And I don't know, it feels a little bit like almost like the Grammys, Gabe. Right. Like, it's like Bama's Taylor Swift. And, you know, SMU is like, what's that dude's name? Shaboozy. What's his name? The guy. The guy with the black country name is a Shabuzi, right?