The College Football Playoff selection process is, by human nature, subjective. A group of 13 people select the top four teams using guidelines, not weighted criteria. Quite simply, it's up to them.
There have, however, been trends over the past three years -- statistical evidence from the 12 semifinalists that helps determine a top-four team in the eyes of the committee. Based on that data, compiled by Jason Starrett of ESPN's Stats & Information Group, here's a look at which CFP front-runners from Power 5 conferences with one loss or fewer are in good playoff shape at the midpoint of the season -- and who's in trouble:
Schedule, schedule, schedule
All 12 CFP semifinalists played a regular-season schedule ranked among the top 55 in the FBS (average 27th).