Joel Klatt hammers selection committee, reveals his CFP rankings

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has many issues with the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, including their initial 2021 rankings. After Tuesday night’s release, Klatt attacked the power structure of college football and called for change. He also provided his own rankings, with an alternative to the 13-person committee’s top four.

“For the record I am in favor of any measure that would dilute or strip power from this ridiculous 13 person committee,” Klatt posted on Twitter. “The structure of the College Football Playoff has done more harm to our great sport than good…My hope is that expansion will fix some of the issues…I won’t hold my breath.”

CFP Selection committee chairman Gary Barta spoke with ESPN college football host Rece Davis after the reveal, explaining several controversial decisions. From Alabama at No. 2 to the Ohio State vs Oregon debate, and Cincinnati at No. 6, the spokesman had answers for everything.

Among other things, he discussed the idea of ceilings for teams like Cincinnati as the season continues.

“We don’t project ahead,” said Barta. “I think most everybody knows that. We look at what’s happened so far.”

He continued: “We haven’t talked at all about a ceiling so I really am not ready to say there’s a ceiling.”

Joel Klatt’s CFP rankings

Joel Klatt continued his rant against the CFP Selection Committee with his own rankings. Providing an alternative to the 13-person committee’s four-team field.

“If I were a committee of one and created playoff today here is what it would look like,” Klatt posted. “Full disclosure, I believe that CFB Playoff should be four most deserving, thus this is different than rankings.”

Here is Joel Klatt’s top four, using the methodology mentioned above.

1. Georgia Bulldogs (8-0)
2. Michigan State Spartans (8-0)
3. Oklahoma Sooners (9-0)
4. Oregon Ducks (7-1)

For reference, here is a look at the CFP Selection Committee’s top four.

1. Georgia Bulldogs (8-0)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1)
3. Michigan State Spartans (8-0)
4. Oregon Ducks (7-1)

On face value, Joel Klatt and the CFP Selection Committee agree more than disagree. With three of four hits, the names barely tell the story. While Klatt ranks Michigan State No. 2, the committee pushed the Spartans down to No. 3, making room for Alabama at No. 2. The presence of the Crimson Tide, along with Oklahoma’s absence, is Klatt’s biggest complaint, as he pointed out Tuesday.

“I don’t know what Oklahoma football fans are so upset about,” Klatt posted sarcastically. “in a few years when they’re in the SEC then they don’t even have to win all their games and will be ranked No. 2.”

The CFP Selection Committee feels Oklahoma’s inconsistent play has turned them into a fringe contender. Despite their 9-0 record, the Sooners have shown plenty of problems that the 13-person committee cannot overlook.