The #1 seed in the CFP should be able to choose who they want to play first

If the #1 seed gets stuck playing Ohio State, they really are getting screwed. Yes OSU is the "least deserving" but they are also probably the 2nd best overall team with their talent and lack of regular season injuries/fatigue.. If they are not deserving enough to be the #2 or #3 seed due to only playing 6 games, then just keep them out of the playoffs altogether.

If the games shake out as expected this weekend (Clemson beats ND), the best and most fair games would be #1 Bama v. #4 ND and #2 Clemson v. #3 Ohio St.

Agree completely, MLT.

Ohio St will end up #3 if they win, that’s almost a lock. #1 Alabama, #2 ACC champ, #3 OSU. They’ll drop ND to #4 if they lose to Clemson. It could be justified regardless, but they’ll do it to avoid a 3rd ND-Clemson game, and 2nd in 12 days, in the semifinals.

For arguments sake, let's say Bama wins and is #1. If Notre Dame wins, they're number 2, Clemson is out, and Ohio State would move up to 3. If Clemson wins, they move to 2, Ohio State goes to 3, and Notre Dame probably is 4 (though Aggies or Iowa St could move to 4).

Either way, I don't see Bama playing Ohio St in the semis. They're the only team I don't see ending up at #4.

If you're gonna call out another team in public like that, trying to pick a win like it's against Western Carolina or something, you damn sure better win it.

It would be a bold coach to want to get behind something like this in a playoff situation when you wouldn't be facing a pushover.

No offense, but I don't like the idea. Teams play based off of seeding. The CFP committee needs to ensure they get the seeding as close to "right" as possible. Then, it should take care of itself.

That said, I think there is a significant advantage in playing the more talented or complex teams first. It provides singularity in focus and prep for the known and allows more time to prepare.

The second round vs a less talented or dynamic team is an easier turn.

This holds very true for CNS, who places a great deal of effort into the preparation phase of the game.

I'd love to play tOSU in first round, as I think they are biggest threat closely ahead of a talented Clemson. However, that likely won't happen.

Assuming Bama beats UF, ND will likely either be #2 or #4 after tomorrow. Clemson will either be #2 or out. In either scenario, tOSU likely moves to #3. So, Bama draws either ND or whoever the CFP cmmtee slides into the #4 spot. That leaves the finals as the toughest game for Saban and Bama to prepare against.

Should Bama lose to UF, I think they fall to #2 or #3. ND will likely either be #1 or #4 in that scenario. Clemson will either be #1 or still out. tOSU likely moves to #2 or #3. That is the matchup I'd prefer RD 1.

Lots of variables in the above, but just best guesses on scenarios where Bama could draw best team first.

quote:

---

Thanks for the response. I don't exactly understand why you don't like the idea based on the rest of your post.

---

I'd rather see protocols that get the seeding as correct as possible, but recognize the subjectivity and focus on the wrong things is inherent in the process and makes the seeding imperfect.

That is why I'm against it. If we assume the seeding may not accurately reflect 3-4 in order of actual strength, it is safe to assume 1 is also sometimes an imperfect choice. They shouldn't have such an advantage. So, it wouldn't always benefit Alabama. The structure should be the structure. 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3.