it could be nefarious, but i think it’s simply accurate. it’s the coaches’ and ap polls that give credit for wins in games not yet played.
if we believe the committee, which says conf champs is major factor, then a 0- or 1-loss p5 champion will get in before a 1-loss p5 runner-up (yes, even the SEC runner-up).
the only excuse would be SOR/SOS, but making that excuse would be like giving a giant middle finger to the conf (or 2) that’s left out, and i just don’t see anyone wanting to die on that hill.
pac-12 and big12 have just made it easy by producing 2-loss champs.
does an undefeated or 1-loss wake forest get in ahead of a 1-loss SEC runner-up in GA? i hope no one has to decide that.