The College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings have sparked a heated debate, with former NFL star Cam Newton advocating for more representation from the SEC.
But here’s the controversial part: Newton boldly claims that the SEC deserves even more spots in the CFP, specifically targeting Notre Dame’s inclusion. He argues that the SEC’s strength of schedule should be a deciding factor, as they consistently face tougher opponents compared to other conferences.
During a segment on ‘First Take’, Newton passionately stated, “I’d take a three-loss SEC team over another conference any day!” He believes the current CFP rankings, which project five SEC teams in the playoff, still don’t do justice to the league’s strength. Newton specifically mentioned Texas, suggesting they should leapfrog Notre Dame despite their potential three losses, due to the challenging SEC schedule.
Newton’s stance is not new; he has consistently campaigned for the SEC, often at the expense of Notre Dame’s inclusion. He argues that the CFP should emphasize strength of schedule, as the SEC’s top teams face more formidable opponents week after week. This, he claims, is a more accurate measure of a team’s caliber than a conference’s overall record.
“College football, we can fix this,” Newton urged. “The SEC is penalized for its challenging schedule, while other conferences are rewarded for weaker ones. It’s time to prioritize strength of schedule over win-loss records.”
This viewpoint is sure to stir discussion. Should the CFP rankings prioritize strength of schedule over win-loss records? Are Newton’s claims justified, or is he biased towards his former conference? Share your thoughts in the comments below!