In the back room hidden behind the bookshelf of where they keep the national championship trophy is another kind of playoff committee. By hitting three notes on the grand piano, you can enter the secret room where the real committee picks the winners. Behind the cobwebs, you can see washed up 70's celebrities, past NFL players who thought they were hot shots, and then me as the committee chair.
Qualifications: How well do they pass the eye test in each game? Do they have a conference championship? Do they have any quality wins? Do they have any wins period?
1. UTEP
The miners won't be mining for gold, but when you're your seventh or eighth best team in the state, you get automatic consideration for this championship!
2. Kansas
The J-hawks scored a quality win over Southeastern Missouri State early in the season to shake up the playoff race. Since then they have passed the eye test including a performance of 21 total yards against TCU.
3. Coastal Carolina
They almost took down a team in the mighty SEC west, however, they've only won one game this season. At least the university isn't too far from the beach...
4. Rice University
It's tough being in state with schools larger and a more developed program. However, having several conference losses right in a row is an easier task.
5. Oregon State
The beavers notched a quality win over FCS team Portland state early in the season. Since then, there have been no FBS wins. However, they almost beat several conference foes, so we have faith they can make a run here.
6. Baylor
This committee values the results of head to head. Baylor putting a beat-down on Kansas, so Baylor gets a lesser ranking er, Kansas is ranked higher, so a lower ranking against an easier opponent.
7. North Carolina
The tar heel's season has gone north. Racking up quality losses against Notre Dame, Miami, and Virginia Tech made putting them on this on more difficult, but then we asked, do they pass the eye test? No. They do not.
8. Illinois
Starting the year going undefeated, Lovie and the fighting illini looked like a bowl game was in their future, especially after notching a legitimately quality win against Western Kentucky (an actual good team unlike Southeastern Missouri State). Fortunately, we have them qualifying for this playoff because of their losing record eligibility.
If the games were played tomorrow, our match ups would be...
The Champions Rugby Bowl
1. UTEP vs 8. Illinois
Rough and tough, this game is played in an arena football stadium and the playbook is adjusted to match.
The Cleveland Browns Bowl
2. Kansas vs 7. North Carolina
Named after a NFL franchise, these teams have been both gone on the record asking "It is basketball season yet?"
The "Let's Play Out Back Bowl"
3. Coastal Carolina vs 6. Baylor
This game was founded when two guys went and played out in the backyard. They invited some friends over and it got bigger every year. Now they play host to two of the top of the bottom teams.
The Northern Canada Beach Bowl
4. Rice vs 5. Oregon State
Dogs sleds are rumored to be used for transport instead of planes to get to the spot. While the orange bowl players have the Miami beaches, these athletes have the shores of a place a bit more... bitter.
Honorable Mentions: Georgia Southern, Ball State, Kent State