Boo Corrigan breaks down heated debate among CFP Selection Committee over top spot

Just minutes after the College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveiled the first Top 25 of the 2022 season, first-time chairman Boo Corrigan – who also serves as the NC State athletic director – weighed in on all the decisions which came out of a long meeting. During an on-air discussion with ESPN’s Rece Davis, he made it clear what the 13 members have prioritized most as they debate hot topics each week.

The top of the rankings featured no shortage of fuel for the conversation as Tennessee opened at No. 1, beating out Georgia and Ohio State for the rights to the top spot ahead of Week 10. In addition, Alabama tops TCU for the last spot in the Top 6, despite the Horned Frogs boasting an undefeated record. Naturally, these and many other topics led to some heated debates among the committee.

“The thing about it, you’ve got 13 voices in the room,” said Corrigan. “And some people are advocated for Georgia, some people are advocating for Ohio State, others for Tennessee. It really does, it drives the conversation. And the goal of the meeting room if you will, and as the chair, is to have a light touch and make sure that what we’re doing is making the right decision with the knowledge that we have thus far in the season to make sure we get it right. One, two and three.”

Boo Corrigan on Tennessee earning No. 1 spot

One of the most difficult decisions the CFP Selection Committee and Boo Corrigan had to make in the first week was at the top of the rankings, where three deserving teams got plenty of attention and split the room at times. However, in the end it was Tennessee, then Ohio State, with Georgia rounding things out before a perceived drop-off to Clemson at No. 4.

“When you look at the three teams – all three very, very good teams that the committee really liked – I think the two wins that you’re looking at with Alabama and at LSU really sealed the day for Tennessee,” said Corrigan.

Going down the list, Corrigan then weighed in on the two remaining teams who likely believe they hold a claim to the top overall ranking. In the end, the margins appear to be razor thin with a lean toward recent results.

“I think the explosive nature of their offense at Ohio State,” said Corrigan. “CJ Stroud, Marvin Harrison Jr, the win over Penn State – the way they came back to win that game. Again, very close. Two well-balanced teams. At the end of the day, the committee decided that we would go with Ohio State No. 2 and Georgia No. 3.”