Introduction

In a heated showdown that’s taken over social media, the athletic directors of Iowa State University and Southern Methodist University (SMU) are sparring over the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, igniting a classic "stay off my lawn" exchange.

Current Standings

Here's the scoop: SMU, boasting an impressive record of 11-1 and riding a thrilling nine-game winning streak, currently sits at No. 8 in this week’s rankings as they prepare for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title game. Conversely, Iowa State finds itself ranked 16th, competing for the prestigious Big 12 title, which is poised to yield only a single bid to the upcoming 12-team playoff lineup revealed on Sunday.

Jamie Pollard's Concerns

Iowa State's athletic director, Jamie Pollard, isn’t pleased with SMU's ranking and wasted no time airing his grievances on social media. He highlighted SMU's schedule disparity, pointing out that the Mustangs have yet to face any of the ACC's elite—Clemson, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, or Miami. To further bolster his argument, he noted SMU's home loss to BYU from the Big 12, concluding with a sharp jab: “Looks like your lawn may be artificial,” directed at his SMU counterpart, Rick Hart.

Rick Hart's Response

Hart didn’t take Pollard’s comments lying down. In a spirited response, he expressed respect but deemed Pollard’s take as misguided. He emphasized that SMU had a more formidable nonconference schedule and bragged about the Mustangs having trailed for a mere six minutes over their last nine games. His concluding remark? “I could go on... Stay off my lawn!”

High Stakes

As the rivalry heightens, the stakes are enormous for both programs. For Iowa State, it's a win-or-go-home scenario, while SMU has more ambiguity surrounding its fate. If the Mustangs falter against the 17th-ranked Clemson, the selection committee will be challenged to determine how to rank a title-game contender against teams that may not have reached similar heights.

Looking Ahead

However, this drama is set to unfold on the field this Saturday. Acknowledging the necessity of results, Pollard extended an olive branch to Hart, stating, “Rick, beat Clemson Saturday and I will respect your ranking.”

Conclusion

With so much on the line, fans should stay tuned as the tension escalates, and the playoff picture becomes clearer. Who will survive the battle of the ADs and secure their place in college football history? Don't miss the action!