CBS Sports postgame show debates Indiana vs. Texas A&M in College Football Playoff rankings

The top three teams in the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the season — No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana, and No. 3 Texas A&M — remained undefeated following their Week 12 matchups. The Buckeyes and Aggies rolled over their opponents, while the Hoosiers used a late touchdown to avoid an upset at Penn State.

Indiana‘s near-loss to Penn State has led to questions surrounding the Hoosiers’ ranking in the second edition of the Rankings, which will be revealed on Tuesday night. Following the game, CBS Sports‘ postgame show debated whether or not Indiana or Texas A&M will be ranked behind Ohio State at No. 2.

“I wouldn’t drop them,” CBS‘ Brian Jones said. “Championship journeys are littered with games such as this. This is a chance for you to prove who you really are. Can you stand that heat when the game is on the line? So I would not drop them. I would look at this and say okay, this is a team that’s proven.”

“They are a complete operation and they went out and fought against a gutsy team that’s has not had the season we all envisioned, but are still showing some fight. They got over that hump.”

Indiana used late touchdown to hold off Penn State

Indiana fell behind 24-20 with 6:27 remaining in the game, but Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers on a 10 play, 85-yard drive to take the lead with 36 seconds left. Mendoza found receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the back of the end zone for a seven-yard score, in which Cooper Jr. made one of the best catches of the college football season.

“I agree with you wholeheartedly,” CBS‘ Aaron Taylor responded. “If you’re a football person and you have eyes, you know what that game is. You’ve played in those games. To me, the committee has said the eye test matters. I don’t think Indiana will drop, and I don’t think they should drop.”

While Indiana just squeaked by its opponent, Texas A&M rolled No. 22 Missouri 38-17 on the road in Columbia. The Aggies are off to their best start (9-0) as a member of the Southeastern Conference and look to be well on their way to making the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.

Former UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel was the lone panelist member to suggest that Texas A&M should move up to No. 2. “I think Texas A&M goes by,” Neuheisel said.

For now, this speculation will continue until the Rankings are revealed Tuesday night. Dating back to the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014, 16/22 teams that have been ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the second edition of the Rankings have gone on to make the Playoff.