Media reacts to CFP rankings for Texas A&M, Florida in first poll
Over the past few weeks, there have been plenty of media debates over where Texas A&M and Florida deserve to be ranked. The Aggies got the best of the Gators in October with a 41-38 win at Kyle Field. Since then, the Gators have impressed, particularly in wins over Georgia, Missouri and Arkansas. COVID has kept Jimbo Fisher’s squad off the field more than once since that game, having some Aggies fans complain that some media members were taking an “out of sight, out of mind” approach, forgetting about Texas A&M.
On Tuesday, Texas A&M was ranked No. 5 by the College Football Playoff selection committee with Florida right behind at No. 6. The general consensus by media members was that both teams are in a good spot moving forward. A common observation was the committee’s value of head-to-head results.
Here’s a sample of media responses below:
Texas A&M biggest winner in inaugural @CFBPlayoff rankings. If No. 5 Aggies win out, along with Bama & Ohio State, Aggies should finish at No. 4 in final ranking
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 25, 2020
.@JessePalmerTV on Texas A&M at 5 and Florida at 6: "This is showing me that head to head matters in the @CFBPlayoff committee's mind right now. How much weight will that carry down the road? That's the big question." https://t.co/4HsUUSTbXc
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) November 25, 2020
I’d take Florida over Notre Dame, Clemson and Ohio State and the Gators lost at Texas A&M. The PAC-12 is certainly going to have something to say. How does the CFP Committee become a bigger and bigger joke every year?
— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) November 25, 2020
Texas A&M is No. 5 and Florida is No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Sure would be a bummer if a struggling team had to play those teams back-to-back soon.
— Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson) November 25, 2020
#Gators check into the initial CFP Rankings at #6. As annoying as that Texas A&M loss is, it isn't really gonna matter. Florida wins its next four games, and they're going to the Playoff.
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) November 25, 2020
My hot take is that there is nothing wrong with these 6 teams nor the order in which they are in. https://t.co/QdXmZChxxy
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) November 25, 2020
On top of that, I don't anyone but UF or an 8-0 B1G champ like Northwestern jumps the Ags if they win out.
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) November 25, 2020
Texas A&M checks in at fifth in the first CFP rankings, one spot ahead of Florida. Head to head matters to the committee at least right now.
— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) November 25, 2020
Texas A&M is ranked fifth. #Gators still in control. If they win out, they are in. https://t.co/Ijb6ROl35Q
— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) November 25, 2020
Two quick thoughts.
1. Gators at six is fine. If they win out they’re in the CFP no questions asked.2. Being ranked sixth in most polls probably means most people aren’t giving them much of a shot to beat Alabama in the SEC Championship.
Still, UF controls own destiny. https://t.co/81JWKBlNTh
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) November 25, 2020
CFP committee goes with head to head results https://t.co/QMhj8H99QG
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) November 25, 2020
Texas A&M is sitting in a REAL good spot right now. If the Aggies just take care of their own business, Jimbo Fisher could make his return to the playoff.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) November 25, 2020
Nothing wrong with the top 6
It’s fine. A&M is a deserving team. Playing an all-SEC schedule should be meaningful. Interesting that the ACC teams (who after Clemson and ND are putrid) all play an out of conference cupcake to count as one of their wins. Funnier that a couple ACC teams lost to their cupcakes.
It looks fine to me. There’s a lot of football left to play anyway.
I don’t see why this is a heated discussion. It’s simple. For now A&M stays ahead because they won the h2h match up. If Florida beats Bama, then they definitely deserve to be in the playoffs and much respect to the team. If A&M loses to any of the remaining teams, we don’t deserve to be in the top 8. Just as Snob said, there’s a lot of football to be played. These initial rankings don’t mean too much.
To me it isn’t even a debate… This is how it should look and if florida beats bama then they in but the bigger question could you leave one loss alabama out for a&m? I think it’ll all iron itself out and won’t come to that but a&m definitely in a good spot and only needs to win to stay around the top 4
Ben, Mudragon, Snob, Migi – agree with you all, and love the mutual respect. SEC respect!