Opening rankings show Colorado has chance at College Football Playoff

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In 2016’s first College Football Playoff Ranking the 6-2 Colorado Buffaloes came in ranked at No. 15. A stunning ranking considering the program is just No. 20 in the Coaches Poll and 21 in the AP Poll.

For a team that started as No. 11 in the preseason Pac-12 Poll this is quite the accomplishment. In fact it’s the first time the Buffs have ever been ranked in the College Football Playoff Ranking. The CFP took over for its predecessor the Bowl Championship Series in 2014.

The reason for the shock regarding the rankings is that not only are the Buffs not ranked in the top 20 but very few voters had them as high as the poll does. The CFP poll is made by the CFP Selection Committee which consists of 13 members. The 13 releases its top 25 rankings weekly in the second half of the regular season.  They factor in a team’s strength of schedule, team records, head-to-head results, among other elements.

Unlike the BCS, the AP Poll, nor Coaches’ Poll or Harris Poll or even computer rankings are used. Advanced statistics and metrics are expected to be submitted to the committee, though like other analytics, they have no formal role in the decision.

What this means is that the Buffs have impressed 13 people who are solely focused on college football, it had nothing to do with a computer, media members or opposing coaches. When considering that it’s unbelievably impressive what the Buffs have done.

What’s more remarkable than where the Buffs are on today Nov., 1, is that CU might actually have a shot at the College Football Playoff. Last year the first ranking tagged Oklahoma at No. 15, in 2014 Ohio State was No. 16 at the halfway point.

So wouldn’t you know it, with four regular season contest left (three at home), and a possible Pac-12 Championship bout, the Buffaloes are in a position where they could be playing for a National Title.