Part 5/7:
The expansion of the playoff format to 12 teams has led to unexpected controversies, raising debates about inclusivity based on team performance versus strength of schedule. The Twitter exchange between athletic directors demonstrated the underlying tension about rankings—especially regarding teams like Iowa State voicing their frustrations at being excluded while other teams with questionable schedules receive higher placements.
With commentary surrounding both the advocacy for and criticism of strength of schedule impacts, the discussions have highlighted a disconnect between the committee's rankings and fan expectations, particularly in the case of Miami and the implications of their earlier success.