CFP selection committee chair explains why Georgia is top-ranked one-loss team
The focus of the College Football Playoff selection committee’s in-season rankings is always on the top four teams, but Georgia’s No. 6 spot did come up in a media teleconference with committee chair Rob Mullens after the rankings reveal on ESPN.
One media member wanted to know what made Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs the top one-loss team in the eyes of the committee. In short, the committee weighted UGA’s quality wins (Florida, Notre Dame) over the ugly loss (South Carolina).
Here’s the exchange from the teleconference transcript:
Q: You have a lot of one-loss teams; you’ve got Georgia top among those one-loss teams. Why do you think Georgia ranked the highest among those one-loss teams?
A: Obviously Georgia has beat two top-15 teams, No. 10 Florida, No. 15 Notre Dame. They are the only defense to hold – they’re the only FBS team to not give up a rushing touchdown, which is a pretty strong statement. Obviously experienced quarterback, elite running back, but I think the separator for them at this point was the two top-15 wins.
With No. 1 Ohio State still to play No. 4 Penn State and No. 2 LSU playing No. 3 Alabama on Saturday, the Bulldogs are in a good spot at No. 6 and in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East.
The Bulldogs host Missouri at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.