Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-0, 5-0 Big 12)
AP ranking: 12
Why they deserve a spot in the top 4: The Cowboys have won every game on their schedule so far, including road victories at Texas, West Virginia and Texas Tech. Oklahoma State features one of the best defensive lineman in the country in end Emmanuel Ogbah, and an offense that has thrived with a two-quarterback attack featuring the arm of Mason Rudolph and the wheels of J.W. Walsh. The Cowboys will also have the chance to clinch the Big 12 title inside Boone Pickens Stadium, with TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma all traveling to Stillwater in November. If the Cowboys win those three games, and thus the Big 12 championship, they will boast a resumé about as robust as any team in college football.
Why they won't get it: The Cowboys could wind up in the playoff, but it's difficult to justify them holding a spot in the top four at this point. While undefeated, Oklahoma State hasn't been dominant, trailing in the second half against Central Michigan, Texas, Kansas State and Texas Tech. Oklahoma State also has yet to defeat a team currently ranked in the top 25. The Cowboys will have a chance to change that beginning this weekend against TCU. But until they do, they can expect be on the outside looking in on the top four. -- Jake Trotter
Rest of the contenders:
http://espn.go.com/college-football...r-college-football-playoff-committee-rankings
Why they deserve a spot in the top 4: The Cowboys have won every game on their schedule so far, including road victories at Texas, West Virginia and Texas Tech. Oklahoma State features one of the best defensive lineman in the country in end Emmanuel Ogbah, and an offense that has thrived with a two-quarterback attack featuring the arm of Mason Rudolph and the wheels of J.W. Walsh. The Cowboys will also have the chance to clinch the Big 12 title inside Boone Pickens Stadium, with TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma all traveling to Stillwater in November. If the Cowboys win those three games, and thus the Big 12 championship, they will boast a resumé about as robust as any team in college football.
Why they won't get it: The Cowboys could wind up in the playoff, but it's difficult to justify them holding a spot in the top four at this point. While undefeated, Oklahoma State hasn't been dominant, trailing in the second half against Central Michigan, Texas, Kansas State and Texas Tech. Oklahoma State also has yet to defeat a team currently ranked in the top 25. The Cowboys will have a chance to change that beginning this weekend against TCU. But until they do, they can expect be on the outside looking in on the top four. -- Jake Trotter
Rest of the contenders:
http://espn.go.com/college-football...r-college-football-playoff-committee-rankings
