Alvarez: About those College Football Playoff rankings

Photo of Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin Director of Athletics — **Barry Alvarez**
UW Director of Athletics

MADISON, Wis. — One of the reasons my grandson Joe Ferguson was reluctant to come to school here was because of me. Joe wants to earn everything on his own. He doesn't want me to be a factor in anything.

I've given him his space, but I encourage him when he does good things and I've let him know that if he ever needs support that I'm always here for him. But he has seldom asked for anything.

He's a very independent young man, a very responsible person. I know that he's going to take care of his business. He has been on the Academic All-Big Ten team each of the last three years.

I was thrilled when Joe got two picks and recovered a fumble at Indiana. While waiting his turn, he has continued to prepare. I've really been proud of his attitude throughout his career.

You watch him in practice and he's getting mental reps, if he's not getting reps. When he has had his opportunities, he has always been in the right spot and he knows how to get everyone lined up.

He knows what's happening on defense and how to anticipate. It has been fun seeing him make plays this season. As a spot player, he has six takeaways, including a team-high four picks. I'm really proud of him.

At this time of the year, everybody is losing starters to injuries. Everybody has guys banged up. That's why depth is so important. And you hope the guy stepping in is prepared and can hold his own.

You won't ever see Paul Chryst overreacting to those injuries. And the kids have learned not to overreact. There's nothing you can do but go out and play. We have examples of that on this team.

All our coaches have done a good job of preparing those non-starters and giving them confidence to play fast when they do get on the field. The results speak for themselves.

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I've been getting a lot of calls this week about the College Football Playoff rankings since I was a member of the selection committee for the past three seasons.

I've told people the same thing — I don't see how an undefeated, Power Five conference champion would not be in the final four. I just don't see that happening.

Take a look at Washington last year. That was a one-loss team, but their schedule was weak. And because of it, the debate was whether they should be the fourth team, or a two-loss Penn State.

In the end, it was Washington. There have always been different issues with selections. You just have to decide individually in that committee room what is the most important thing to you.

Lock in ?? It's trophy week ?? #OnWisconsin || #Badgers
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) November 8, 2017

What happened last weekend to two of our top-ranked teams in the Big Ten — Ohio State and Penn State losing — I think is going to continue to happen. There's more of that coming in other leagues.

Having been on that committee, I don't get all wrapped up in the weekly rankings right now. Anybody who has been following the process the last three years has seen how it plays out.

The early rankings are great for all the talk shows because it gives everybody something to debate. And the attention is good for college football. It makes the sport a lot more interesting.

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Looking back on last Saturday, I thought Iowa's offensive coordinator, Brian Ferentz, called a great game against Ohio State. I would guess he went opposite of most of their run-pass tendencies.

They took some chances and they never let up off the gas pedal.

I'm sure they were thinking Ohio State is capable of putting up half a hundred, at least mid-40s, so somehow we've got to score with them. And then they got a little cooperation with turnovers.

That sets up another big game in our series with Iowa. They've usually revolved around good fundamental football. They've been field-position, time-of-possession type games.

If you don't get a first down, punt it to the other end. Don't turn it over. One thing is guaranteed: it will be a very physical, tough game. They've all been that way for a long time now.