Would the Selection Committee actually take 2 SEC teams and ND?

[heckmans]

No...in my opinion no conference is getting 2 as the money needs to be spread around to keep the commissioners happy with this format.

Let's hope so. CFP should be top4 Conference Champs+ the prima donnas in South Bend. Winning MUST mean SOMETHING.
Conferences need to be charged with determining their best team. If they cannot do that, there is no reason for them.
Conference rematches are stupid. The matchup has already been settled. A split result only muddies things worse.

IMHO, the CFP should be 6 teams. P5 champs + 1 at large, which takes care of either ND, a deserving non-P5(ie 2016 W Mich), or a P5 at-large.
1 & 2 get a bye
Conference foes would have to be on opposite sides of the bracket if they played during the season. The same side if they did not. (Seeds should be set to avoid rematches or a 1-conference championship game, but allow 2 conference foes to meet in the championship if they truly are the 2 best, as determined by winning games against the other top teams in the CFP).

I don't like 8 teams as it most certainly puts 2 or 3 conference runners-up in and increases chances for rematches and discounts conference play. (For the same reasons, I hate the Wild card in MLB which discounts a far too long 162 game season to let 2nd place get in). I know it's about money, but from a competition standpoint, expanding playoffs in all sports pervert the nature of the regular season and changes the way teams operate. In MLB, the pitching needed to win the regular season is far different than a playoff series. This gives WC teams with a lesser roster more equal footing. In the NHL, allowing the middle of the road teams in, as determined by an 82 game season, discounts the season. A hot-goalie on an 8-seed can take out a 1-seed. It happens far too often and makes the lessens the reward for being the best team over the long season. The NBA seems to be the one exception. Over a 7-game series, the lesser almost never wins. The NBA playoffs are far too long, but from a competition stand point, big playoffs do not seem to pervert the results of the long regular season.

 

[pandaczar12]

If ND gets hosed by not being in a conference maybe they finally join a conference. How about the B1G... put them in the west division.

It's not exactly getting "hosed" when they choose to not join a conference. That's like saying I got hosed by not winning the lottery, but didn't buy a ticket.

But if Oklahoma wins out and PSU wins out they're ahead of PSU because of the win over Ohio State unfortunately.

I'm not so sure, Oklahoma would have been crushed by the OSU team PSU played on Saturday. They also lost to an Iowa state team that Iowa beat.

 

[Lyons212]

The problem for both SEC teams getting into the CFP is that a possible rematch occurs a month later. That is not very appealing for TV. Now if both Alabama and Georgia are undefeated and the game is decided on the last play of the game, all bets are off.

If Ohio State losses again and PSU wins out, PSU will jump them in the poll. As we learned last year, 2 losses is a killer.

 

[BBrown]

That would shut out three of the P-5 Conferences.

All of tonight's top 4 teams could VERY easily win out before the SEC Championship game. The TV ratings for the Playoffs would absolutely suck. Especially if Georgia played Alabama in a rematch.

I just can't see the Committee taking two from one Conference. Especially if ND is in the top four.

If ND wins out yes. They will have a very good resume.
Not sure if they take 2 SEC teams or not. I think GA beats Bama.

 

[hermanas24]

What will be interesting is if Notre Dame loses, Washington loses, Oklahoma loses, Okie State loses, TCU loses, and Ohio State loses in the regular season, but beats Wisconsin, would they jump us over Ohio State? Of course they wouldn't, but it would be worth it to hear the excuses as to how this year is different than last year, even though the scenarios between PSU and OSU are exactly the same.

In that ridiculous scenario Penn State would definitely jump into the final 4. There is a difference between last year though. OSU had 3 wins vs teams ranked in the top 10 of the final playoff ranking and Penn State will have 0.

 

[bluewhiteApos]

If ND wins out yes. They will have a very good resume.
Not sure if they take 2 SEC teams or not. I think GA beats Bama.

UGA beating Bama simplifies things. In that case a one loss Notre Dame can be in, and Bama is left out of the playoff. In my opinion the worst case scenario for the CFP is UGA losing to Bama. A one loss ND that forces the committee to take UGA, because they can’t put ND in (who lost to UGA) without taking UGA. in that scenario three conference champs are left out.

 

[Woodpecker]

No. ND not playing in a conference will hurt them. Mark it down. (At least I hope)

You miss last year? Ohio State had a bye in the conference championship and got chosen. Committee doesn't care if you play in a conference championship, only if you lose. Despite what they may say, ND is in the ACC but gets their bye for the championship game.

 

[BBrown]

UGA beating Bama simplifies things. In that case a one loss Notre Dame can be in, and Bama is left out of the playoff. In my opinion the worst case scenario for the CFP is UGA losing to Bama. A one loss ND that forces the committee to take UGA, because they can’t put ND in (who lost to UGA) without taking UGA. in that scenario three conference champs are left out.

LOL, so is this the last year for a 4 playoff team race?
JMO but Conf. champs should get in. Then maybe an at large bid or 2.
Lots of games left to play that will have a big affect on things.

 

[Woodpecker]

I don't like 8 teams as it most certainly puts 2 or 3 conference runners-up in and increases chances for rematches and discounts conference play.

I would agree if each team played every other conference team (as is done in the other sports you mentioned) but that doesn't happen.

 

[Diego Badman]

Would it be better to take just one from each P-5 conference and leave out two conference champs?

I think there should be an 8 team playoff. The P-5 conference winners would all receive automatic bids and there would be 3 at large bids. The first round of 4 games would be on New Years Day (Orange, Rose, Sugar Fiesta). There would only be 16 other bowls and those games would be played before New Years Day. That means top 40 teams only. 6 win teams shouldn't be going to a bowl. The semi finals would be the following week and the championship game the week after that.

I like the idea of an 8 team playoff. I think, however, that it can get real expensive for fans to attempt to travel to so many neutral sites. Perhaps the first round of games would be played at the higher ranked team's site with the losers moving on to a bowl game. The first round would be played as soon as the Conference Championships are completed.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

You miss last year? Ohio State had a bye in the conference championship and got chosen. Committee doesn't care if you play in a conference championship, only if you lose. Despite what they may say, ND is in the ACC but gets their bye for the championship game.

Yup. And according to the CFP criteria, Penn State had two of their four over OSU (Confernence Championship, Head To Head) and still got left out. Not sure what this committee will do since there are three new members, but nothing would shock me. If Penn State doesn’t get in, I’m rooting for chaos - which is Bama, ND, Georgia, and Oklahoma getting in, which is entirely possible.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

I like the idea of an 8 team playoff. I think, however, that it can get real expensive for fans to attempt to travel to so many neutral sites. Perhaps the first round of games would be played at the higher ranked team's site with the losers moving on to a bowl game. The first round would be played as soon as the Conference Championships are completed.

Are college football fans poorer than NFL fans?

 

[bluewhiteApos]

Are college football fans poorer than NFL fans?

NFL playoff games are held at the higher seeds home field. Multiple neutral site CFP game would make it hard to travel in consecutive weeks for the fan base.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

NFL playoff games are held at the higher seeds home field. Multiple neutral site CFP game would make it hard to travel in consecutive weeks for the fan base.

Problem solved - do regional (NFL stadiums) or home games for first round of CFP. Then, do neutral sites.

 

[bluewhiteApos]

Problem solved - do regional (NFL stadiums) or home games for first round of CFP. Then, do neutral sites.

I am a proponent of an eight game playoff with the early rounds played at the higher seeds home field.

 

[bdgan]

Yup. And according to the CFP criteria, Penn State had two of their four over OSU (Confernence Championship, Head To Head) and still got left out. Not sure what this committee will do since there are three new members, but nothing would shock me. If Penn State doesn’t get in, I’m rooting for chaos - which is Bama, ND, Georgia, and Oklahoma getting in, which is entirely possible.

OSU got in ahead of PSU last year because they had 1 loss and PSU had 2 losses. I like PSU's chances if they win out, OSU gets upset, and OSU beats Wisconsin in the championship game. I think it's very unlikely but possible.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

OSU got in ahead of PSU last year because they had 1 loss and PSU had 2 losses. I like PSU's chances if they win out, OSU gets upset, and OSU beats Wisconsin in the championship game. I think it's very unlikely but possible.

Two big issues IMO - Georgia/Bama and Notre Dame. If Georgia or Bama lose but keep it close - less than a touchdown, there will be a lot of people pushing for both to make the playoffs from the 'best teams should go' camp (which seems to trump 'most deserving' camp). If Notre Dame wins out they're probably in, even though they shouldn't be. Assume Oklahoma wins out, they're in over Ohio State, who even if they win out, may be out because they lost the head to head with Oklahoma. Then, no B1G, Pac 12, or ACC champ in the playoff.

 

[bdgan]

Two big issues IMO - Georgia/Bama and Notre Dame. If Georgia or Bama lose but keep it close - less than a touchdown, there will be a lot of people pushing for both to make the playoffs from the 'best teams should go' camp (which seems to trump 'most deserving' camp). If Notre Dame wins out they're probably in, even though they shouldn't be. Assume Oklahoma wins out, they're in over Ohio State, who even if they win out, may be out because they lost the head to head with Oklahoma. Then, no B1G, Pac 12, or ACC champ in the playoff.

Why doesn't ND deserve to be in if they win out? I understand they're not in a conference but their strength of schedule is good.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Why doesn't ND deserve to be in if they win out? I understand they're not in a conference but their strength of schedule is good.

Same reason the Big 12 has been left out in the past - no 13th data point no matter how good their schedule is. It's a different set of rules for them, and it shouldn't be.

 

[BBrown]

Are college football fans poorer than NFL fans?

INMO yes, There is probably less travel since most NFL teams get at least 1 home game. Not counting wildcard. And the Superbowl is such a corporate event now that I really wonder how many fans get to go.
The other is probably yes since a lot would be students (meaning mom and dad are going to have to pony up the bucks.) LOL.

 

[BBrown]

I am a proponent of an eight game playoff with the early rounds played at the higher seeds home field.

+100

 

[sdwcpa]

If they put 2 SEC teams in and ND they would effectively be putting 2 SEC teams AND 2 ACC teams in(assuming Clemson) and shutting 3 P5 conferences out all together.. I may end up eating crow on this but I just do not see that happening

If we have learned nothing else so far with the committee it is not who you lost to it is who you beat. Clemson at 4 losing to Cuse certainly proves that. Yes I know about the QB going down but he went down at the end of the 1H having done nothing with Cuse winning at the time.

 

[drblue1977]

The COMMITTEE would prefer ................4 SEC teams and is working to set up a NIT type runner-up bracket for the ..............little guys.

Always behing the curve, I guess 5 league champions with 3 at large teams (preferably SEC) would never work because of the eye test thingy.

 

[heckmans]

I would agree if each team played every other conference team (as is done in the other sports you mentioned) but that doesn't happen.

Sure. However, I'll go back to my thesis that it is up to the conference to determine their best team. If they are unable to do that, it's the conference's issue. No sympathy for a team that doesn't win it's conference on the field. Plus, going to 8 will not prevent and will almost assuredly result in teams that played each other making it, especially given the makeup of the SEC and B1G divisions.

The lone issue that gives me pause is that overall, CFB is a small sample size (12 games) and home field, which is out of a team's control means a lot (ie PSU's 1-pt loss on the road). A case could be made that at home, or on a neutral field, PSU would have won and therefore allowing 2 teams in solves the question. That said, I'd still prefer to make the criteria to get in the playoff more Objective and not rely on the vagaries and biases of a small group that couldn't possibly have watched most/all of the games of the teams in question and are subject to any number of outside influences.

 

[Woodpecker]

No sympathy for a team that doesn't win it's conference on the field. Plus, going to 8 will not prevent and will almost assuredly result in teams that played each other making it, especially given the makeup of the SEC and B1G divisions.

[cough] Ohio State last year [cough] As for rematches, I think that, if you can avoid (legislate against?) them in the first round, then a lot of people might WANT to see them if both teams successfully get to the next. Wouldn't PSU-OSU or Georgia-ND rematches be compelling on neutral fields?

 

[Colorado Man]

That would shut out three of the P-5 Conferences.

All of tonight's top 4 teams could VERY easily win out before the SEC Championship game. The TV ratings for the Playoffs would absolutely suck. Especially if Georgia played Alabama in a rematch.

I just can't see the Committee taking two from one Conference. Especially if ND is in the top four.

That would shut out three of the P-5 Conferences.

All of tonight's top 4 teams could VERY easily win out before the SEC Championship game. The TV ratings for the Playoffs would absolutely suck. Especially if Georgia played Alabama in a rematch.

I just can't see the Committee taking two from one Conference. Especially if ND is in the top four.

Under this scenario, there is a fourth slot that would go to one of the remaining 3 P5 conferences.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

Are college football fans poorer than NFL fans?

"Poorer" isn't the problem. Time is.

In the NFL, the higher seeded team gets to stay home until the Super Bowl. Fans of the higher seeded teams have no problem getting to the games. They aren't going from Buffalo to Miami one week, Buffalo to Pasadena the next week, and Buffalo to Tempe the next week.

Should be an 8 team Playoff with the 4 highest seeded Conference Champs getting Home Field in the first two rounds, and the 5th P-5 Conference Champ getting Home Field in the second round in the unlikely scenario they play an at large.

Most likely scenario will come no later than 2025, possibly sooner, if all parties come together or circumstances change. Why? Because that's roughly when two major events happen.

1.) College Football Playoff Contract ends 2025 season.
2.) Big 12 GOR ends 2024 football season.

Oklahoma and Kansas would leave today if they had enough votes to dissolve the Conference (GOR). They WILL be out by 2025. Possibly sooner (no pun intended) if they can get Texas and the Pac 12 to play ball.

Then you will have the Rose Bowl Champ (B1G vs Pac12) vs rotating Sugar Bowl/Orange Bowl Champ (SEC vs ACC). The then P-4 Conference Championship Games would act as the quarter finals.

This setup actually wouldn't be bad. Sure better than what we have now.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

Under this scenario, there is a fourth slot that would go to one of the remaining 3 P5 conferences.

Where's the B1G, Big 12, and Pac 12??? ND and a second SEC school only leave one additional slot available. That would go to the ACC (Clemson).

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

"Poorer" isn't the problem. Time is.

In the NFL, the higher seeded team gets to stay home until the Super Bowl. Fans of the higher seeded teams have no problem getting to the games. They aren't going from Buffalo to Miami one week, Buffalo to Pasadena the next week, and Buffalo to Tempe the next week.

Should be an 8 team Playoff with the 4 highest seeded Conference Champs getting Home Field in the first two rounds, and the 5th P-5 Conference Champ getting Home Field in the second round in the unlikely scenario they play an at large.

Most likely scenario will come no later than 2025, possibly sooner, if all parties come together or circumstances change. Why? Because that's roughly when two major events happen.

1.) College Football Playoff Contract ends 2025 season.
2.) Big 12 GOR ends 2024 football season.

Oklahoma and Kansas would leave today if they had enough votes to dissolve the Conference (GOR). They WILL be out by 2025. Possibly sooner (no pun intended) if they can get Texas and the Pac 12 to play ball.

Then you will have the Rose Bowl Champ (B1G vs Pac12) vs rotating Sugar Bowl/Orange Bowl Champ (SEC vs ACC). The then P-4 Conference Championship Games would act as the quarter finals.

This setup actually wouldn't be bad. Sure better than what we have now.

Agree - problem solved!

 

[ewb75]

All of this talk of how a playoff should be run..... the answer is already on display. What was once D1AA, and is now the FCS, has a playoff system that runs beautifully. The problem is the money tied to the longstanding bowl games. The NCAA can cry about its student-athletes having to play too many games, missing school, whatever.... but they already do it at the levels below FBS. (And I won't even go into the whole basketball side for missing school and too many games.)

You get a true playoff. Each game is hosted by the higher seed, on campus. Conference champs are in, and there are at large bids to be had. But again, too damn much money wrapped up in this bowl system to ever see anything like that develop for FBS. Our best hope is that a hybrid like some of what you guys have described happens with at least 8 teams.

 

[Diego Badman]

Are college football fans poorer than NFL fans?

I don't think I mentioned anyone being poorer than others. And you know that. Given that NFL playoff seeding and playoff sites are at the home field of the higher seed, then my position is stronger. The only neutral site is the Super Bowl.

 

[passedout]

What will be interesting is if Notre Dame loses, Washington loses, Oklahoma loses, Okie State loses, TCU loses, and Ohio State loses in the regular season, but beats Wisconsin, would they jump us over Ohio State? Of course they wouldn't, but it would be worth it to hear the excuses as to how this year is different than last year, even though the scenarios between PSU and OSU are exactly the same.

Yeah, I get it, but don't think it will matter. You play the games for a reason and have to win head-to-head matchups, especially when your schedule is weaker than the teams you're bunched up against. I mean UCF is undefeated, but wont get a sniff because of the competition level they face week in and out. And honestly, that's the way it should be. Roots out teams making names for themselves under false perceptions. THey're starting to run it like NCAA basketball tournament, which is the perfect setup for finding a true champ.

 

[Bobpsu]

As a playoff semi, a PSU-OSU matchup would be a ratings bow-wow.

What does this mean?

 

[heckmans]

[cough] Ohio State last year [cough] As for rematches, I think that, if you can avoid (legislate against?) them in the first round, then a lot of people might WANT to see them if both teams successfully get to the next. Wouldn't PSU-OSU or Georgia-ND rematches be compelling on neutral fields?

I could live with an 8-team playoff if the 5-8 seeds had to go on the road to the home venue of the Top 4. It would need to include a clause that a conference champ could not be seeded below the runner-up in their own conference. If the SEC runner-up had to go above the mason dixon line in December to prove their worth, that would be compelling.

 

[LafayetteBear]

Notre Dame still has Miami and Stanford left, with both games on being road games for the Irish. If the 'Furd has Bryce Love back, I could easily envision them beating the Irish.

 

[passedout]

It's not exactly getting "hosed" when they choose to not join a conference. That's like saying I got hosed by not winning the lottery, but didn't buy a ticket.



I'm not so sure, Oklahoma would have been crushed by the OSU team PSU played on Saturday. They also lost to an Iowa state team that Iowa beat.

If "ifs and buts" were "candy and nuts".....

 

[wilbury]

You're damn tootin they could. Georgia is #1 to insulate them from dropping totally out if they stay within 14 of bama in the title game.

All they did by making Bama #2 is guarantee a PO'd Saban and Bama team and a beat down over Georgia, assuming GA can make it to the conference finals without a loss.

 

[pandaczar12]

If "ifs and buts" were "candy and nuts".....

...You'd know how to use that saying properly.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

I like the idea of an 8 team playoff. I think, however, that it can get real expensive for fans to attempt to travel to so many neutral sites. Perhaps the first round of games would be played at the higher ranked team's site with the losers moving on to a bowl game. The first round would be played as soon as the Conference Championships are completed.

Expensive for fans is a decent consideration. But your higher ranked home team scenario likely fails when many fans decide an outdoor game in freezing cold December/January is worse than a flight and hotel. I may be wrong. Folks still show up for NFL games, but many of those seats are frequently sold up before September and they don’t need as many fans to show up to turn their profits.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

All they did by making Bama #2 is guarantee a PO'd Saban and Bama team and a beat down over Georgia, assuming GA can make it to the conference finals without a loss.

There isn’t a team in America that I’d bet on to beat Alabama 7/10 games.