CFP Selection Committee chair addresses Ohio State vs Oregon debate

College Football Playoff Selection Committee chair Gary Barta joined ESPN’s Rece Davis to discuss the controversial Week Nine rankings, including the Ohio State vs Oregon debate. After placing 7-1 Oregon ahead of 7-1 Ohio State, the Iowa athletic director addressed the value of head-to-head meetings and the CFP’s sausage-making process.

A Midwest native, Barta revealed his sausage making history, while explaining the hypothetical sausage-making process the CFP Selection Committee undergoes each Tuesday. With an answer for every question, he provided a response to every criticism. However, that will not satisfy fans.

Oregon vs Ohio State

When Ohio State and Oregon scheduled a 2021 meeting, it became must-watch television. When the teams brought their squads to the field, it became clear the game would have CFP implications.

The Ohio State offense and Oregon defense squared off in a 35-28 thriller. The Ducks came out with a road win and an upper hand. However, a slip-up against Stanford and several key injuries jeopardized Oregon’s season.

In the meantime, Ohio State grew up. The young offense started to click and brought back the high-powered numbers many anticipated. The recent results left many wondering whether the eye test or head-to-head result would rule the day.

“The (selection) committee – everyone has their own opinions – but as you go through with the 13 members, head-to-head is certainly talked about when you talk about Oregon and Ohio State,” said Barta. “Oregon has had some nice wins, they played very good football. They’ve been through a lot of challenges losing their starting running back and some others – Thibodeaux being their best player – early on. But they beat Ohio State at Ohio State and that was really important to the committee.”

It became clear very early – as ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit pointed out – that the committee valued these head-to-head meetings, setting the tone for the top four. While Ohio State sits on the outside looking in, there is hope for the Buckeyes down the stretch.

Not only can Ohio State jump the field with an unexpected loss from Alabama or Oregon, it holds its own destiny against Michigan State. A second chance at head-to-head bragging rights keeps Ryan Day’s team firmly in the playoff picture throughout the season.

“Ohio State is playing great football, since that time they’re on a roll,” said Barta. “They’re explosive offensively. At the end of the day, that’s why they’re one slot behind Oregon, because of the head-to-head. But right up there near the top because of how terrific they’ve been playing.”