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Surprising shakeup in College Football Playoff selection committee
By SDS Staff
Published:
The College Football Playoff announced Friday that Ohio State AD Gene Smith was stepping down from the selection committee.
Smith’s resignation was somewhat surprising after two years, and he will be replaced by University of Iowa Henry B. & Patricia B. Director of Athletics Chair Gary Barta.
“Gene has been an invaluable member of our CFP selection committee,” Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP, said. “As a former football student-athlete, coach and now collegiate administrator, his influence is deeply appreciated. This is a significant time commitment, and we understand Gene’s need to focus on his primary responsibility on campus.”
Hancock added, “I’m delighted that Gary will be joining the committee. He is a highly respected leader in college football and I look forward to him becoming a member of the committee. I know Gary to be a person of excellent judgment and he’ll fit right in.”
“Serving on this committee has been an honor,” Smith said. “Contributing to this great sport is always a privilege, and I will miss the time with my colleagues. It is imperative for me to have 100% focus in helping our new coach with his transition at The Ohio State University this fall.”
The selection committee is responsible for ranking the top 25 teams and assigning the top four to semifinal sites. It also assigns teams to New Year’s bowls.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.