As we barrel toward Selection Sunday on Dec. 7, the College Football Playoff debate is heating up-and it’s getting personal. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has entered the fray with some pointed remarks, raising questions about how the committee evaluates teams.
His comments weren’t subtle, and they weren’t aimed at just the numbers on a stat sheet. They were aimed squarely at Miami.
“There’s teams that are ranked in front of us that haven’t played any top-10 ranked teams,” Sarkisian said, clearly frustrated. “My point to everybody is, is this about what your record is at the end? Or is this about beating quality teams and showing how good of a team you really are by beating quality teams on the field?”
He didn’t stop there. Sarkisian took a veiled jab at Miami’s late-game play-calling, referencing teams who “throw fade route touchdowns with 38 seconds to go when you're ahead 31-7 so that the score looks better.” It was a not-so-subtle critique of padding stats instead of proving dominance against top-tier competition.
The implication? That Miami’s resume might look better than it actually is-and that the committee might be fooled by flashy box scores rather than gritty, meaningful wins.
But Miami head coach Mario Cristobal wasn’t about to let that slide.
“They also gotta take a look at the fact of a common opponent between us and that particular coach,” Cristobal fired back. “Seeing that we had the opportunity to really dominate that opponent while that opponent dominated them.”
That common opponent? The Florida Gators.
Miami handled them convincingly, winning 26-7 in Gainesville. Texas, on the other hand, stumbled in a 29-21 loss to those same Gators.
That’s the kind of side-by-side comparison that speaks volumes, especially when the margins are razor-thin in the playoff race.
Still, Sarkisian’s Longhorns have a case. A big one.
Beating then-No. 3 Texas A&M is a signature win that carries real weight.
It’s the kind of victory that committee members circle on their notes. But the Hurricanes have a marquee win of their own-taking down No.
9 Notre Dame-and their strength of competition (SOC) stacks up well.
So what’s the committee going to value more? The Hurricanes’ 10-2 record and stronger SOC? Or Texas’ big win over a top-three team and the eye test that says they’re playing some of their best football right now?
The Longhorns finished 9-3. The Hurricanes, 10-2.
Both have resumes with teeth, but each tells a slightly different story. One leans on quality wins and a tougher schedule.
The other suggests dominance when it mattered most.
There’s no clear-cut answer yet. That’s the beauty-and the frustration-of the CFP system.
It’s not just about who you beat, but when and how. It’s about the full picture.
And with millions on the line and a playoff berth hanging in the balance, every detail matters.
We’ll find out soon enough what matters most to the committee.