In recent discussions held in New Orleans, leadership from the Big Ten and SEC met to deliberate on potential seismic shifts in the College Football Playoff (CFP) format, emphasizing changes in seeding processes and the addition of automatic qualifiers. This gathering, a follow-up to their initial meeting in Nashville last October, although not conclusive, pointed towards a concerted push to reshape the future of college football.
Aligning Visions for Playoff Seeding
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey have made their preference clear: they believe the CFP rankings should trump conference championships when deciding automatic first-round byes. This approach was spotlighted during the inaugural year of the 12-team CFP format, where discrepancies arose, notably when Boise State and Arizona State secured automatic byes despite lower rankings than other contenders. Such instances have fueled the drive for a revamp of the seeding protocol, potentially as early as the 2025 season, though unanimous agreement is required.
Automatic Qualifiers: Expanding the Playoff Field
The talks also touched on the possibility of increasing automatic qualifiers within an expanded playoff framework. While specifics remain under wraps, the anticipation is that the Big Ten and SEC will advocate for four automatic bids each, with the Big 12 and ACC potentially receiving two each, should the field expand to 14 or more teams. This proposition, once rejected, appears poised for reconsideration as conference powers seek to ensure that the most deserving teams aren’t sidelined due to stringent selection criteria.
The Push for a Nine-Game SEC Schedule
On another front, the SEC is contemplating a shift to a nine-game conference schedule, a topic that has periodically surfaced at SEC spring meetings. The potential for ESPN to increase funding for an additional conference game adds a financial incentive that could sway the decision. Furthermore, with the likelihood of more guaranteed playoff spots, the risk of an additional challenging game is mitigated, making the proposal more appealing to the conference’s powerhouses.
Commissioner Sankey expressed optimism about the shift, noting, “I think there’s a lot of interest. People change, positions change… understanding the selection committee’s perspective and how the criteria is applied is an important element.”
Looking Forward
As college football’s landscape continues to evolve, the dialogues between the Big Ten and SEC are indicative of a larger trend towards more inclusive and equitable playoff opportunities. The potential changes to the CFP and SEC schedule could not only redefine competitive dynamics but also enhance the sport’s appeal and fairness. As these discussions progress, stakeholders and fans alike await concrete outcomes that will shape the seasons to come.
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