Every year since the CFP was implemented in 2014, the first week of College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings had a bit more meaning to it. It’s a check-in for every team; a signal for how close to the ultimate goal your program is as you traverse the final stretch of the regular season.
With the expansion to 12 teams, the initial rankings aren’t as intense a watch as before, but it does open the door to more optimism amidst the rankings. If there’s a number by your name, all of a sudden the door to a playoff spot is a whole lot wider than in future years…that’s right, we’re looking at you Army.