“I DON’T NEED TO DEFEND MY SCHEDULE’ 🗣️ Rhett Lashlee Makes SMU’s CFP Case

Setting the Stage for SMU’s CFP Ambitions

In the competitive world of college football, the College Football Playoff (CFP) stands as the pinnacle of achievement. With only four teams selected to compete for the national championship, the road to the CFP is a treacherous one, requiring a combination of elite talent, strategic scheduling, and a dash of good fortune. SMU, under the guidance of head coach Rhett Lashlee, has audaciously thrown their hat into the CFP ring, boldly declaring that they have no need to defend their schedule. This audacious proclamation has sparked a heated debate among pundits and fans alike, with diverging opinions on the validity of SMU’s CFP aspirations.

A Critical Examination of SMU’s Schedule

SMU’s 2023 schedule presents a unique mixture of formidable opponents and potential pitfalls. The Mustangs open the season with a daunting matchup against a formidable FCS opponent, the Incarnate Word Cardinals. While this game may provide a chance for SMU to showcase their offensive firepower, it offers little in terms of strength of schedule. The non-conference slate also includes matchups against Louisiana Tech and Liberty, both of which are projected to finish in the lower tier of their respective conferences. These games provide additional opportunities for SMU to rack up wins but do little to enhance their CFP credentials.

The heart of SMU’s schedule lies within the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The AAC has consistently been ranked as a Group of Five conference, putting SMU at a disadvantage when compared to teams from the Power Five conferences. The Mustangs face a gauntlet of tough conference opponents, including Cincinnati, Memphis, and UCF. While these games will undoubtedly test SMU’s mettle, the AAC’s overall strength may not be sufficient to boost the Mustangs into the CFP conversation.

Perspectives on SMU’s CFP Chances

The debate surrounding SMU’s CFP chances has polarized the college football world. Some analysts believe that the Mustangs have a legitimate shot at crashing the party, citing their high-powered offense and experienced coaching staff. Others argue that SMU’s weak schedule will ultimately prove to be their undoing, preventing them from accumulating the necessary metrics for CFP consideration. The CFP selection committee has historically placed a heavy emphasis on strength of schedule, making SMU’s task all the more challenging.

Comparable Cases and Historical Precedents

To fully grasp the complexity of SMU’s CFP aspirations, it is essential to examine comparable cases and historical precedents. In recent years, several Group of Five teams have made a strong push for the CFP, with varying degrees of success. In 2021, Cincinnati earned a berth in the CFP after finishing the regular season undefeated and claiming the AAC championship. However, the Bearcats’ path to the CFP was paved with a schedule that included several high-profile non-conference wins, including victories over Notre Dame and Indiana. Conversely, UCF’s undefeated 2017 season was not enough to earn them a CFP berth, largely due to their lack of a marquee non-conference win.

Conclusion: Evaluating SMU’s Chances and the Broader Implications

SMU’s audacious declaration that they “don’t need to defend their schedule” has ignited a fierce debate about the complexities of CFP selection. While the Mustangs possess an undeniably talented roster and a proven coaching staff, their weak schedule presents a significant obstacle to their CFP aspirations. Historically, the CFP selection committee has favored teams with strong non-conference schedules, making SMU’s path to the CFP a daunting one. However, the Mustangs could potentially make a case for inclusion if they can pull off some major upsets and dominate the AAC. The upcoming season promises to be a fascinating test of SMU’s resolve and the validity of their CFP claims.

Beyond the immediate implications for SMU, the debate over their CFP chances raises broader questions about the future of college football scheduling. As the gap between the Power Five and Group of Five conferences continues to widen, it is fair to question whether the current CFP selection process is truly equitable. The inclusion of more Group of Five teams in the CFP would undoubtedly add excitement and diversity to the playoff, but it would also require a re-examination of the criteria used for selection. The upcoming season will provide valuable insights into the complexities of college football scheduling and the challenges facing Group of Five teams aiming for the highest level of competition.