CFP committee chairman explains why Ohio State jumped LSU in rankings

The latest College Football Playoff rankings were released on Tuesday, and perhaps the biggest development was Ohio State jumping LSU for No. 1 in the rankings.

Ohio State beat Penn State 28-17 at home last weekend, while LSU defeated Arkansas 56-20. The Buckeyes played a tougher opponent and prevailed, which likely had a role in them moving up.

Committee chairman Rob Mullens told ESPN’s Rece Davis on Tuesday’s rankings show that Ohio State is a “complete team”. When pressed, he said the committee believes Ohio State is better on defense.

CFP chair Rob Mullens on #LSU-OSU swap: “Ohio State has been a complete team. Probably that complete team piece.”

Rece Davis presser him.

“It is the defensive piece. This week the committee felt Ohio State is a little better on the defensive side.”

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 27, 2019

While this will probably upset LSU fans, it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that the Tigers win their next two games — against Texas A&M and then the SEC Championship. If they win both, they will be in the playoff. As of now, they would be set to face Clemson in the 2-3 game in the playoff, whereas Ohio State would end up facing a team like Alabama, Oklahoma, or Utah.