It is rare that a Power 5 team’s undefeated record works against it.
The 9-0 Georgia Bulldogs are the top team in college football, and, barring an unlikely loss, are nearly assured to make a playoff appearance. Last season, Nick Saban’s Alabama team held that distinction. The two years prior, it was Louisiana State in 2019 and Clemson in 2018.
This year was Oklahoma’s turn. The Sooners entered the season with an offense that was expected to be potent, led by a quarterback in Spencer Rattler who’d drawn preseason Heisman Trophy hype.
But despite winning 17 straight games and pulling off several comeback victories in 2021, the Sooners hadn’t impressed the College Football Playoff selection committee.