Undefeated Marshall: The Bigger Picture

Contrary to what some College Football fans may think, there are currently two undefeated teams left: Florida State, and Marshall.

The Playoff Committee has released weekly top 25 rankings since the end of October, but until last week, non of these have included the University of Marshall. Boise State is listed at 23rd and Marshall is 24th in the latest rankings.

I get it: Marshall does have an easy schedule. I myself wouldn't put Marshall close to the top four at this point. But 10-0 didn't merit at least a top 25 ranking?

Since when does winning count as next to nothing for some teams? Why has College Football decided to make strength of schedule well over 50% of the equation, yet margin of victory is nearly irrelevant? Make it simple. Winning should be the biggest factor, but strength of schedule and school names complicate what should be a simple process of ranking teams.

From the perspective of non power five teams, Marshall's season is a manifestation that the committee has no trouble keeping a power five team far away from even having consideration for the playoff. However, compared to the BCS, this system is better overall because it guarantees a non power five team entrance into a major bowl game. As of now, two loss Boise State would get that automatic bid ahead of Marshall.