The College Football Playoff committee probably doesn’t have a large fan base, particularly among SEC supporters. The committee has been in place since the CFP began overseeing college football’s postseason in 2014, and fans have never fully embraced it. That’s not shocking, though, as there will always be some fanbases that feel their team was more deserving of a playoff spot than others.
However, this past season may have been the committee’s most criticized performance yet.The committee didn’t seem to hold the SEC in high regard, often overlooking the incredibly tough schedules SEC teams endure each season. The most glaring example came when Georgia fell nine spots and dropped out of playoff contention after a road loss to a top-15 Ole Miss team. In contrast, when Ohio State lost at home to a Michigan team with five losses, the Buckeyes only slipped a few spots.
How does that add up?
As the CFP continues to explore possible changes to the playoff format, the committee introduced its new members on Tuesday — and the announcement brought some very good news for Georgia.
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The committee revealed five new members on Tuesday, along with a new Committee Chairman who will oversee the CFP rankings for the next three seasons. Below are the six new additions and their backgrounds:
- Chairman Mack Rhoades – Baylor Athletic Director
- Damon Evans – Maryland Athletic Director (and former Georgia AD)
- Mark Dantonio – Retired head coach from Michigan State
- Wesley Walls – Former Ole Miss tight end
- Chris Massaro – Athletic Director at Middle Tennessee State
- Ivan Maisel – Veteran media member with experience at Sports Illustrated and ESPN
The most notable addition, at least for Georgia fans, is Damon Evans, who previously served as Georgia’s Athletic Director. While Evans now leads Maryland’s athletic department, having someone on the committee with ties to the Bulldogs certainly doesn’t hurt.
Of course, Evans — like all committee members — is expected to remain completely impartial. But the reality is, it’s nearly impossible to be 100% unbiased, so any potential advantage for Georgia and the SEC, even a slight one, is welcome.
Another encouraging sign is the inclusion of both a former player and a former coach. Wesley Walls, an ex-SEC tight end, and Mark Dantonio, a Hall of Fame coach, bring valuable on-field experience to the table. Their ability to evaluate teams using the “eye test” could prove useful, especially since that’s an area where the committee has struggled in recent years.
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