Likely the biggest debate in this week's playoff rankings will be Notre Dame vs Penn State for the 3/4 spots in the rankings.
The data:
Football Power Index: ND 2, PSU 9
Strength of Record: PSU 4, ND 5
Strength of Schedule: PSU 36, ND 57
Game Control: ND 3, PSU 17
Offensive Efficiency: PSU 6, ND 10
Defensive Efficiency: ND 2, PSU 10
Common opponent USC: ND +14, PSU +3 [I'm ignoring Purdue as a common opponent because well, they're Purdue]
Objectively, with all the other metrics being close, the Game Control and Common Opponent tip the scales in Notre Dame's favor, especially since Penn State's advantage in Strength of Record has evaporated. With the 5th seed having a significantly easier path to the semifinals than the 6th seed, this is a critical decision by the committee.
The data:
Football Power Index: ND 2, PSU 9
Strength of Record: PSU 4, ND 5
Strength of Schedule: PSU 36, ND 57
Game Control: ND 3, PSU 17
Offensive Efficiency: PSU 6, ND 10
Defensive Efficiency: ND 2, PSU 10
Common opponent USC: ND +14, PSU +3 [I'm ignoring Purdue as a common opponent because well, they're Purdue]
Objectively, with all the other metrics being close, the Game Control and Common Opponent tip the scales in Notre Dame's favor, especially since Penn State's advantage in Strength of Record has evaporated. With the 5th seed having a significantly easier path to the semifinals than the 6th seed, this is a critical decision by the committee.
