The College Football Playoff (CFP) is on the brink of a major transformation, and it's not looking pretty. With a proposed expansion to 24 teams, the sport risks losing its essence and the very thing that makes it so captivating: the regular season's significance. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the soul of college football, and it's time we address this head-on.
The Problem: A 24-Team Playoff
The idea of a 24-team playoff is like a comet heading straight for Earth, and no one seems to be sounding the alarm. The CFP's current format, with its 12-team bracket, has served us well, but the proposed expansion would be a disaster. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the impact on the sport's culture and the value of every game.
The Regular Season's Significance
What makes college football so compelling is the weight given to the regular season. You can't go 9-8 and still make the Super Bowl, or have a .500 basketball record and still reach the Final Four. The regular season matters, and it's what draws tens of millions of fans to tune in on fall Saturdays. But with a 24-team playoff, that could all change.
The Impact on Coaches and Players
The pressure on coaches would be immense. No one rests their superstars for a Week 4 road game like in the NBA, but they might now. The sport has seen coaches lose their jobs despite winning a wild-card game, and a 24-team playoff would only increase the pressure. It's a classic case of self-preservation, where the focus is on job security rather than the greater good of the sport.
The Role of the Commissioners
Tony Petitti, the Big Ten commissioner, is spearheading this move, having honed his craft in Major League Baseball, where you can go 83-79 and still contend for the World Series. But in college football, going 8-4 might not even get you into the playoff. It's a short-sighted approach, and the worst part is that they're responding to crises of their own making.
The Role of the Presidents
The final say on this matter lies with the school presidents, who may not even be paying much attention to the topic. It's time for the 90% of fans who oppose this move to make their voices heard. Email your favorite school's president or chancellor and voice your concerns. Because right now, the comet is heading straight for the greatest regular season in sports, and no one is listening.
The Way Forward
The future of college football is at stake, and it's time for a change. The 24-team playoff is a step too far, and it's up to the presidents to step in and protect the sport's soul. It's time to sound the alarm and save the regular season from destruction.
