It's not every season that a ranked matchup gets scheduled with 2 days notice. Especially one with some fascinating post-season possibilities! Yet, 2020 gives us a gift!
HUGE accomplishment to Coastal Carolina and BYU! I'm sure there were behind-the-scenes talks since things started getting questionable for Liberty. And while I wish the best for the Flames, I cannot contain my excitement for this "upgrade" of a matchup.
With this in play, what are the stakes?
BYU
BYU is currently ranked 13th by the CFP Committee; Coastal Carolina is 18th. The Committee, based on their public remarks, seems to like the look of BYU - but just cannot put them any higher due to a lack of marquee win. Their best win - a road domination of Boise State - gets somewhat dismissed because the Broncos were not at full strength.
With a win AT the Chanticleers - and on such short notice - BYU can give the Committee something tangible to justify a more substantial jump in the rankings. I don't think the more rational minds are really thinking Playoffs; but the New Year's Six is definitely in play!
By contrast, the AP and Coaches Poll have the Cougars firmly in at-large range - both polls ranking them at #8. The teams ahead in the CFP?
- 8 Georgia (2 losses, both blowouts)
- 9 Iowa State (2 losses)
- 10 Miami (1 loss, a blowout, and several unimpressive wins)
- 11 Oklahoma (2 losses)
- 12 Indiana (1 loss, and no wins over winning-record teams)
- Big 12 Championship Game loser (would have 3 losses)
- 12 Indiana (could lose a couple without their QB)
- 13 BYU (pass with a win)
- 14 Northwestern (if Ohio State succeeds in playing them in the CG)
- 15 Oklahoma State (who knows what the committee's thinking with them??)
- 16 Wisconsin (can someone else trip up the Badgers?)
- 17 UNC (pass with a win)
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