Does Adam Breneman have an SEC bias, or is there something about Ryan Day’s Ohio State that doesn’t sit well with him? Once again, the ESPN analyst left the Buckeyes off his radar, stirring conversations about whether his rankings overlook Big Ten powerhouses. This isn’t the first instance of Ohio State feeling snubbed, either. Earlier in October, Breneman highlighted Indiana over the Buckeyes as his College Football Playoff favorite, dubbing the Hoosiers the “biggest mover” after their dominant 56-7 victory over Nebraska.
Now, it’s Florida taking the spotlight as the “biggest mover” in Breneman’s rankings, raising questions about his criteria. Let’s dive into the story and examine the context of his controversial list.
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Florida Tops Breneman’s Week 12 Rankings
On November 21, Adam Breneman shared his “Top Performing Teams from Week 12” on Instagram. Florida Gators took the top spot, followed by Kansas, Georgia, Arizona State, Colorado, New Mexico, and Tulane. Ohio State, despite their commanding Week 12 performance, was left off the list entirely.
The Gators’ impressive 27-16 victory over LSU certainly earned them recognition. Florida improved their record to 5-5, delivering a decisive upset inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Breneman’s nod to Florida reflects their growth under head coach Billy Napier, but it left many questioning why Ohio State, one of the most dominant teams in college football, wasn’t acknowledged.
Ryan Day’s Ohio State Shines in Victory Over Northwestern
While the Florida Gators soared up rankings, Ohio State showcased their strength in a 31-7 triumph over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. After falling behind 7-0 early, the Buckeyes scored 31 unanswered points to claim a convincing win.
Ohio State’s victory highlighted their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, reinforcing their status as one of college football’s elite programs. Yet, Adam Breneman chose to overlook this performance in favor of other teams. Was it simply an oversight, or is there more to Breneman’s rankings?
Adam Breneman’s History of Overlooking Ohio State
This isn’t the first time Breneman’s choices have raised eyebrows. Earlier this season, he declared Indiana as a top contender for the College Football Playoff, even suggesting the Hoosiers could beat Ohio State in a potential matchup.
“This is an Indiana team that is legit, and their offense is the one that’s in the country. It’s looking pretty real that Indiana could travel to Columbus, Ohio, at 10-0 to go play Ohio State College; that will be a legendary matchup,” Breneman predicted.
Ohio State, now 9-1, will face undefeated Indiana (10-0) on November 23 in a game with significant Big Ten Championship implications. While Breneman’s prediction about the Hoosiers has played out to an extent, his dismissal of Ohio State’s prowess remains puzzling.
Florida Gators’ Rankings Surge After LSU Win
Florida’s Week 12 victory over LSU wasn’t just about securing a win—it was about making a statement. Before the game, the Gators ranked No. 54 in Chris Vannini’s rankings. After their win, they jumped 11 spots to No. 43.
USA TODAY Sports echoed this sentiment, pushing Florida up 14 spots in their Week 13 rankings. With upcoming games against Ole Miss and Florida State, the Gators have a chance to finish their regular season on a high note, potentially earning a bowl game invitation.
Is SEC Bias a Factor in Breneman’s Rankings?
Adam Breneman’s rankings often favor SEC teams, which fuels speculation of a bias. The SEC is widely regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in college football, but that doesn’t justify ignoring elite performances from teams like Ohio State.
Critics argue that Breneman’s lists reflect a preference for dramatic storylines over consistent excellence. Florida’s upset win certainly deserves recognition, but does it eclipse Ohio State’s dominance against Northwestern?
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Ohio State’s Road Ahead
Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have little time to dwell on Breneman’s snub. Their upcoming game against Indiana is a crucial step in their push for the Big Ten Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
With a roster loaded with talent and a 9-1 record, Ohio State has proven they belong among the nation’s best. The matchup against Indiana could cement their case as a top contender, regardless of where they rank on Adam Breneman’s lists.
FAQ
Why does Adam Breneman seem to favor SEC teams in his rankings?
Breneman often highlights teams with standout performances or dramatic upsets, which frequently occur in the competitive SEC. However, this approach sometimes overlooks consistent powerhouses like Ohio State.
What are the implications of Ohio State’s game against Indiana?
Ohio State’s clash with Indiana is pivotal for the Big Ten Championship race. A victory could solidify their position as one of the top teams in the nation.
How did Florida’s win over LSU impact their season?
Florida’s victory over LSU propelled them up the rankings and revitalized their season. With a 5-5 record, they are now in contention for a bowl game.
What makes Ohio State’s roster stand out?
Ohio State boasts a balanced roster with talent on both offense and defense, making them one of the most formidable teams in college football.
Will Adam Breneman’s rankings affect Ohio State’s playoff chances?
While Breneman’s rankings are influential, they do not directly impact the College Football Playoff selection process. Ohio State’s performance on the field will ultimately determine their fate.
