CFP Chairman Backs Michigan Being Ranked over MSU Despite Spartans' Rivalry Win

The latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings was revealed Tuesday, and there was a curious decision by the selection committee.

Despite losing to rival Michigan State earlier this season, the Michigan Wolverines were ranked No. 6 ahead of the Spartans at No. 7. CFP chairman Gary Barta defended the decision.

"At the end of the day, we thought Michigan was a better team and deserved to be ranked ahead of Michigan State," he said, per columnist Bryan Fischer.

The Spartans (8-1) were the only team ranked in the Top Five last week to lose Saturday, falling 40-29 to Purdue. Despite the expected tumble down the rankings, their impressive 37-33 comeback win over the Wolverines on Oct. 30 was expected to give them the upper hand in the eyes of the selection committee.

Barta added that there was substantial debate among the committee regarding Michigan and Michigan State, saying that decision alone took "maybe a half hour." He went on to say that the committee gave strong consideration to the Spartans' win.

"The consensus is that Michigan is a more complete team… That said, the committee gave great credence to the Michigan State win," Barta said.

Michigan (8-1) bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 29-7 win over Indiana on Saturday. The Wolverines shut out the Hoosiers in the second half.

The 9-0 Georgia Bulldogs remained atop the CFP rankings followed by Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State, which all have 8-1 records. Cincinnati (9-0) moved up to No. 5, the highest ranking for a Group of Five team, but is still chasing that elusive spot in the Top Four.

The Wolverines will travel to face Penn State this Saturday, while the Spartans will host Maryland.