FILE - Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The ACC has experienced significant change in the past six months, most notably with Florida State and the league suing each other in December. Clemson followed suit, and North Carolina could be next. Yet, Phillips remains optimistic about the future of the conference. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips has voiced his frustration with the latest College Football Playoff rankings, questioning why Alabama is ranked above Miami despite comparable records and Miami’s strength of schedule.
Currently, Alabama sits at No. 11, just ahead of Miami at No. 12. Phillips took issue with the ranking system, emphasizing that it undermines the committee’s supposed emphasis on “winning.”
“The committee has said multiple times, ‘we really are about watching winning teams, we value winning,’” Phillips stated. “That’s what our teams have done. We’ve had a winning record against the Big Ten, the Big 12, and more victories over SEC teams than any other conference. For Miami to drop eight spots after one weekend while Alabama moved up two spots is unbelievable.”
Controversial Weekend Rankings
Phillips’ criticism stems from the dramatic shifts in rankings following the final weekend of regular-season play. Miami, previously ranked No. 6, dropped six spots after a narrow four-point loss to Syracuse, a top-25 team. Meanwhile, Alabama jumped two spots despite defeating Auburn, a struggling 2–6 team.
“I was stunned to see Miami, who went into the last weekend as the sixth-ranked team in the country, drop to No. 12 after losing to Syracuse,” Phillips said. “Alabama, on the other hand, played Auburn and jumped two spots. That eight-spot swing in one weekend makes no sense to the ACC.”
Strength of Miami’s Losses
Phillips pointed to Miami’s two losses this season as evidence of the committee’s inconsistency. Both defeats came against strong opponents: Georgia Tech, boasting a 7–3 record with Haynes King at quarterback, and Syracuse, now ranked in the top 25 at 9–3.
“These are quality losses,” Phillips argued. “Georgia Tech proved their strength on Black Friday, and Syracuse is a top-25 team. Yet, Miami was punished disproportionately.”
Implications for the ACC Championship
With the ACC Championship game looming, Phillips believes the final CFP rankings could hinge on its outcome. The controversy surrounding Miami and Alabama adds further drama to a season already rife with debates over the playoff committee’s decisions.
Will Miami’s performance in the ACC Championship reshape the rankings, or will Alabama continue to hold its controversial edge?
