A simple 12-team CFP reform idea
ESPN reports that the College Football Playoff board of managers has delayed a vote on recommending a 12-team playoff (not a surprise, given the realignment developments of the late summer).
The B1G-ACC-Pac 12 Alliance should insist on one simple change to the 12 team format: cap each conference at no more than two playoff teams. That will ensure that the SEC doesn't get 3 or even 4 spots because of their reputational advantage, and also ensures that the other "Power 4" conferences get a reasonable amount of representation.
Reportedly, the board of managers has other things to think about, like the role of the Rose Bowl, the interaction with the academic calendar, etc. But the main thing they should do is cap the number of SEC teams that can join the CFP, by capping conference representation more generally. What say you, Comrades?
September 23rd, 2021 at 10:54 PM ^
I’m all for a 12 team playoff that promotes the following:
1. Conference Champion is an automatic qualifier. This includes the Big 12
2. The first round of the playoffs are at on campus stadiums
3. The highest ranked Group of 5 conference champion qualifies
4. Allow teams that don’t qualify for the playoffs or bowl game for that matter hold 15 “winter practices”.
This leaves 6 spots for six at- large bids. These at large bids should considered based on criteria like strength of schedule at seasons end, was the team a division champ, AP Poll, Coaches Poll, SP (whatever that is), etc.
This would hopefully generate better non conference games, SEC would play more conference games and it would still allow for the Rose Bowl, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls to be relevant. It would generate all kinds of energy on campus in December.
September 24th, 2021 at 6:19 AM ^
According to reports, the current proposal benefits SEC and ND and the decision for the format has to be unanimous.
The top 4 get a bye
Teams 5-8 host a playoff game
9-12 travel to where ever.
ND wants to be no. 5 because they get to host a game ($$) and they don't have to join a conference. SEC gets 2 of the top 4 and probably 2 others. A 6 team playoff is best and force ND to join a conference.
September 24th, 2021 at 5:02 PM ^
FCS has only a couple fewer teams than FBS and has a 16 team playoff. My plan is 16 teams, every conference champ, and fill out the field with worthy teams.
September 24th, 2021 at 6:46 PM ^
Cap is a bad idea. Be one of the 12 best teams and problem solved. Otherwise the proposal looks like a way to give every conference a trophy whether deserving or not. An alternative to a cap is to just guarantee that every power 5 conference gets their champ in and the other slots are determined by rankings.