1. “Impact of preseason rankings on College Football Playoff (CFP) selection”
2. “Relevance of preseason rankings in determining CFP contenders”
3. “Examining the significance of preseason rankings in college football”.

Listening to @OneFootDown and Josh is right: Preseason rankings suddenly matter

Preseason rankings in college football have always been a topic of debate among fans, analysts, and even the teams themselves. Some argue that these rankings are meaningless and should not hold any significance when it comes to determining a team’s success throughout the season. However, recent events have shown that preseason rankings do matter, and their impact on a team’s trajectory can be substantial.

One notable example is the case of the Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles. In the 2021 season, FSU had a rough start, losing their first three games. Many fans and analysts were quick to dismiss the team’s chances of making it to the College Football Playoff (CFP) or even having a successful season. However, as the season progressed, FSU showed significant improvement and finished with a 7-6 record, including a victory in their bowl game.

OneFootDown, a popular college football podcast, and Josh, one of its hosts, argued that if FSU had been ranked in the top 10 to start the season, they would have had a legitimate chance of making it to the CFP. Their argument is backed by the fact that preseason rankings heavily influence the perception of a team’s potential, strength, and overall worthiness of consideration for major postseason events.

When a team is ranked highly in the preseason, it sets the bar high for expectations. It adds a level of prestige and attention that can be crucial for a team’s confidence and motivation. On the other hand, when a team starts the season unranked or with a low ranking, it can be demoralizing and may affect the team’s performance on the field.

Moreover, preseason rankings can have a significant impact on a team’s schedule and strength of opponents. Higher-ranked teams tend to face tougher opponents, which provides them with valuable opportunities to prove themselves and earn recognition. Conversely, teams ranked lower in the preseason may face weaker opponents, making it harder for them to make a case for themselves and climb up the rankings.

While it is true that preseason rankings are not always accurate and teams can exceed or fall short of expectations, they still play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of a season. They provide a starting point for discussions, debates, and predictions, influencing the perception of teams within the college football landscape.

However, it is also important to note that preseason rankings are not set in stone. They are based on speculation, past performance, and expert opinions. Therefore, it is possible for a team to make a significant impact even if they start the season with a lower ranking.

For instance, take the case of Liberty University. In the 2020 season, Liberty had a remarkable campaign, finishing with a 10-1 record and earning a spot in the Cure Bowl. However, they started the season ranked 23rd. If Liberty had started the season with a higher ranking, let’s say 8th, their achievements and performances would have garnered even more attention and appreciation. Their underdog story would have been amplified, and they might have even been in contention for a major bowl game or a spot in the CFP.

Therefore, while preseason rankings may not be the sole determinants of a team’s success or failure, they do influence the perception, opportunities, and overall trajectory of a team’s season. They shape the narrative and set expectations, which can have a profound impact on a team’s confidence, motivation, and performance on the field.

Listening to @OneFootDown and Josh’s argument sheds light on the newfound importance of preseason rankings. It forces us to reconsider the significance of these rankings and how they can impact a team’s journey throughout the season. Whether we agree or disagree, one thing is certain: preseason rankings suddenly matter.

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Source : @tim3773

Listening to @OneFootDown and Josh is right. Preseason rankings suddenly matter. If FSU was ranked in the top 10 to start the season, they would’ve made the CFP.

No, preseason ranks still don’t matter…unless liberty started up there they’d be ranked 8 instead of 23. pic.twitter.com/EGkI2lMc3J

— Tim Flynn (@tim3773) December 7, 2023

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1. “Preseason rankings impact College Football Playoff (CFP) chances”
2. “The significance of preseason rankings in CFP selection”
3. “Liberty’s ranking disparity: Preseason impact on CFP positioning”.