"2020 has changed so much for so many, including the CFP. Some of our approaches will be the same as always, and others will reflect the unique nature of this year. We are confident that the committee will be able to select the best four teams and rank the rest of the 25 as always. We have prepared this short Q&A document to shed light on what may be a bit different this year." – Bill Hancock, Executive Director, CFP
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TOP QUESTIONS FOR THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SELECTION COMMITTEE
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Q:
How will the first selection committee ranking consider the disparity in the number of games between top teams? By November 24, Clemson, for example, is scheduled to have played nine games, while Oregon is scheduled to have played three. How are you taking this into consideration?
A:
There is no minimum game requirement to be eligible for the College Football Playoff. The selection committee`s job is to select the top four teams beginning November 24 and continuing through the final rankings December 20. The number of games and wins by each team is certainly important in weighing its ranking, but it is not the only factor.
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Q:
How will the selection committee factor in conference-only schedules? How will you decide between top teams without inter-conference head-to-head competition or shared opponents?
A:
The protocol for ranking the teams has not changed. The selection committee will continue to watch games, assess every team, and use the available data. A lot of football has been played and remains to be played, even with mostly conference-only schedules. The selection committee will continue to use factors such as wins against top 25 teams, wins against teams with winning records, and their expertise to come together and select the best four teams week by week.
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Q:
Will one conference have more margin of error than another? Will you weigh PAC-12 losses more than SEC losses? How will you decide between a 7-1 team and a 3-0 team?
A:
The committee ranks teams, not conferences. The more games played, the more chances a team has to prove itself to the committee. If the committee feels the 7-1 team has more quality wins despite one loss, it will factor that into its rankings. If it feels the 3-0 team's undefeated start is more impressive, it will factor that into its rankings. The protocol and the 13 members will continue to assess the teams and use what they have seen on the field week after week to rank the top twenty-five teams.
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Q:
How will the committee handle COVID cancellations or losses/wins with key players unavailable due to COVID?
A:
We are not involved in protocols that decide which teams need to cancel games or have their players isolate or quarantine. We will handle the player-availability issue the same way we have done in the past. If a key player misses a game, the committee will know and consider whether the absence affects the on-field performance. COVID cancellations will happen, and the committee will continue to make decisions based on the games played each week.
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Q:
Will you expand the playoff this year due to all the uncertainties?
A:
The CFP management committee considered expanding the College Football Playoff this year and decided against it. The year 2020 has been one of uncertainty and change, but we are not changing the playoff format.
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