CORSO SPEAKS: Lee Corso Identifies the One College Football Playoff-Deserving Team
As the college football season concludes and debates over playoff selections heat up, ESPN analyst Lee Corso has once again stirred the pot with his bold opinions. In a recent discussion, Corso identified the one team he believes truly deserved a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and offered a scathing critique of the current selection process. According to Corso, some three-loss Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams—specifically Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina—would have performed better on the national stage than some of the teams included in this year’s CFP field.
Corso’s commentary reflects his deep understanding of the game and his conviction that the SEC remains the strongest conference in college football. His statements have reignited debates about the criteria for playoff selection and whether the current format truly ensures the best teams compete for a national championship.
Corso has long been a proponent of the SEC’s dominance in college football, and this season was no exception. He pointed out that Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, despite each finishing the season with three losses, displayed a level of talent and competitiveness that many non-SEC teams lack.
“The SEC is still the gold standard,” Corso said during a segment on ESPN’s College GameDay. “The three-loss teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina faced tougher schedules week in and week out. If they were in the playoff, they’d show up and compete at a level the nation expects from a true championship-caliber team.”
Corso emphasized Alabama’s resurgence after a slow start, Ole Miss’ high-powered offense under Lane Kiffin, and South Carolina’s late-season surge led by quarterback Spencer Rattler. According to Corso, any of these teams would have been more competitive on the national stage than some of the teams that made the playoff field.
Alabama’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff always sparks controversy. Despite their three losses, Corso argued that the Crimson Tide’s body of work and strength of schedule deserved more consideration. Alabama faced multiple top-ranked opponents and overcame injuries to key players while maintaining their status as a perennial powerhouse.
“Nick Saban’s teams are built for moments like the playoffs,” Corso said. “Even in a ‘down year,’ Alabama is better prepared to face elite competition than most programs in the country.”
Ole Miss, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, showcased one of the most dynamic offenses in college football this season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart and a stable of playmakers consistently put up big numbers, even against tough SEC defenses. Corso believes that Ole Miss’ ability to score quickly and adapt to different game situations would have made them a dangerous opponent in the playoff.
“Ole Miss has an offense that could challenge anyone,” Corso noted. “They might not have the defensive depth of some other teams, but their ability to put points on the board makes them a threat against any playoff contender.”
South Carolina’s late-season performance was another highlight for Corso. The Gamecocks upset several ranked opponents, including a stunning victory over Clemson, to end their regular season on a high note. Corso praised Spencer Rattler’s leadership and the team’s resilience, stating that South Carolina would have brought a unique energy to the playoff.
“Momentum is everything in college football,” Corso said. “South Carolina was peaking at the right time. They might not have the résumé of other teams, but their late-season form would have made them a tough out in the playoff.”
Corso’s comments also shed light on the broader issue of playoff selection. The current CFP format often prioritizes win-loss records over other factors such as strength of schedule and conference strength. Corso questioned whether this approach truly identifies the best four teams in the country.
“College football isn’t just about records,” Corso argued. “It’s about who you’ve played, how you’ve performed, and whether you’re built to compete against the best. The SEC teams might have three losses, but those losses come against top-tier competition. That matters.”
Corso also called for an expanded playoff system to ensure more deserving teams, particularly those from the SEC, have a chance to prove themselves on the national stage. With the playoff set to expand to 12 teams in 2024, Corso’s vision of a more inclusive postseason may soon become a reality.
While Lee Corso’s opinions may spark debate, they highlight a central question in college football: What criteria should determine the playoff field? For fans of Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, Corso’s comments offer validation for their teams’ efforts in a challenging SEC gauntlet.
As the College Football Playoff evolves, Corso’s insights remind us of the complexities of selecting the “best” teams. The SEC’s strength is undeniable, and as the playoff expands, it may finally provide opportunities for teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina to showcase their true potential on the national stage. For now, Corso’s words will resonate with fans who believe the SEC remains the heart of college football’s greatness.