Florida State leads ESPN's 'anger index' after initial CFP rankings reveal
Florida State holds the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s “anger index” following the initial rankings reveal from the CFP selection committee on Tuesday night.
FSU landed at No. 4 in the rankings, ahead of Washington but behind Ohio State, Georgia and Michigan. According to ESPN’s David Hale, FSU should feel slighted by the committee as it seems they didn’t take FSU’s strength of schedule into account in the same way they did for Ohio State.
Here’s some analysis from Hale:
The committee rightfully rewarded Ohio State for its two marquee wins against Notre Dame and Penn State, even if the Buckeyes haven’t always looked particularly dominant — even against the likes of Indiana or Wisconsin. But if the committee was wise enough to value Ohio State’s strengths rather than focus on nitpicking, why not do the same for FSU?
Florida State has a win over No. 14 LSU by 21. Ohio State’s big wins, by the way, are by a combined 11. Florida State also has wins over SP+ top-30 teams Duke and Clemson. FSU is undefeated against the No. 49 schedule (per ESPN Stats & Information) and ranks second in strength of record.
And yet Georgia (No. 100 schedule, No. 7 strength of record) and Michigan (No. 111 schedule, No. 9 strength of record) both check in higher.
Florida State doesn’t have any ranked opponents left on its regular season schedule. The Noles, however, likely would face a ranked team in the ACC Championship Game.
FSU being ahead of Washington is a good sign for its Playoff chances if it goes 13-0. However, the Noles might not have any margin for error if they were to drop a game down the stretch.
Florida State will go on the road to face Pitt on Saturday.