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College Football Playoff Rankings, Week 10: 5 biggest takeaways

By Nathaniel Reeves

Oct 29, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies players celebrate the win over the New Mexico State Aggies at Kyle Field. Texas A&M Aggies won 52-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies players celebrate the win over the New Mexico State Aggies at Kyle Field. Texas A&M Aggies won 52-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to throw the ball during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to throw the ball during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Strength of schedule made the biggest difference in the top four

The selection committee deviated from the AP Poll and other rankings in the top four, with strength of schedule being the biggest reason why over other factors like margin of victory and the eye test.

Just about everyone felt the selection committee would follow the top four of the AP Poll in order. However, the committee moved Clemson into second over No. 3 Michigan, while also boosting Texas A&M all the way to fourth from No. 7.

The Wolverines have been breezing past opponent, while Clemson owns narrow wins over schools like Troy and North Carolina State. Still, the Tigers jumped Michigan thanks to a tougher schedule that includes wins over Louisville and Florida State, in addition to Auburn in the nonconference slate.

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While the SEC is clearly better than the Pac-12 this season, it was still a shock to see an undefeated Power Five team in Washington behind Texas A&M. The committee is valuing the Aggies’ road win over Auburn very highly, in addition to UCLA and Tennessee even if both teams have since fallen off the table.

Such an emphasis on strength of schedule will create some interesting scenarios down the stretch. Again, Louisville is not in good shape, while Washington is going to have a hard time being ranked higher than No. 4. Based on the way the committee values the SEC, Alabama will have the top spot on lockdown if it remains undefeated, even if Michigan or Clemson earn more impressive wins down the stretch.

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