OT: CFP to 16?

[rutgersguy1_rivals]

Playoff format to 16 on the table and could affect the SEC going to 9 conference games for more money from ESPN and scheduling tie up with the B10 as well.

From the article:

Leaders in each conference have spent the last several weeks evolving a format idea — multiple automatic qualifiers per league — into a more realistic proposal. The 14- or 16-team model would grant four automatic qualifiers each to the SEC and Big Ten; two each to the ACC and Big 12; and one to the highest-ranked Group of Five champion. It includes one or three at-large spots, one of those intended for Notre Dame if it finishes ranked inside the top 14 — a guarantee specifically designated for the Irish that is part of the CFP memorandum.

Officials describe the 14-team format as a 4-4-2-2-1+1 model in which the top two seeds receive first-round byes. There would be no byes in a 16-team structure. In either, the CFP selection committee’s role is greatly diminished. The committee, its future — as the memorandum stipulates — also controlled by the SEC and Big Ten, would presumably seed 1 through 14 or 16 based directly on its top-25 rankings.

 

[yesrutgers01]

To designate that 2 conferences get 4 auto bids is crazy.
I mean, in most years, it would happen anyway but that could lead to 4 loss teams getting in..,and there would no longer be a reason to schedule any strong OOC games as you ranking wouldn’t matter.

 

[rutgersguy1_rivals]

To designate that 2 conferences get 4 auto bids is crazy.
I mean, in most years, it would happen anyway but that could lead to 4 loss teams getting in..,and there would no longer be a reason to schedule any strong OOC games as you ranking wouldn’t matter.

I think the autobids and larger playoffs are what they think is needed to actually get stronger matchups. The SEC going to 9 games and the B10 wanting the SEC at 9 games to schedule matchups is facilitated by it. With 4 autobids, you're allowed that leeway of taking a loss in those stronger matchups and still having a shot at the CFP

With 12, you'd get teams with 3 losses at times. In a 16 team playoff, 4 loss teams seem likely at times, especially if conference championship games get turned into CFP play in games between teams 3 through 6 in the conference.


From the article:

The data and revenue​

The 14-team model — 4-4-2-2-1+1 — aligns mostly with conference strength over the last 11 years of the CFP’s existence, according to data compiled by Yahoo Sports.

Since the 2014 playoff, the SEC has had 52 teams ranked inside the top 14 of the CFP’s rankings heading into conference championship weekend, or about 4.7 teams per year. The Big Ten has had 51 teams (4.6). The Big 12 is next at 23 (2.1), followed by the ACC (20/1.8), Notre Dame (5/0.45) and Group of Five (3/0.27).

The data considers conference realignment shifts (ie: Oklahoma is counted toward the SEC figures, USC for the Big Ten, Stanford for the ACC, Utah for the Big 12, etc.).

Last July from Big Ten football media days, commissioner Tony Petitti told Yahoo Sports that, if leaders “get the postseason right,” his league and others could then have the ability to “play stronger non-conference matchups.”

“This is all connected,” he said.

In either multi-AQ playoff proposal, conference championship games likely become less valuable, and a reimagined championship weekend may feature conference play-in games for the automatic berths, something Yahoo Sports reported in December. These discussions, though preliminary, are happening at the highest levels of conference leadership.

Could the SEC and Big Ten, if guaranteed four spots, pit their third-best team against the sixth and their fourth-best team against their fifth in on-campus, play-in games to the CFP? Would they advance their top two seeds automatically into the CFP or would they still play a title game? Or, would they match their top seed against their eighth-place finisher?

 

[wheezer]

To designate that 2 conferences get 4 auto bids is crazy.
I mean, in most years, it would happen anyway but that could lead to 4 loss teams getting in..,and there would no longer be a reason to schedule any strong OOC games as you ranking wouldn’t matter.

The two conferences could demand it and probably get it, based on their control right now
You seize the moment

 

[newwavedave1]

8 teams is more than enough.

 

[mosito]

To designate that 2 conferences get 4 auto bids is crazy.
I mean, in most years, it would happen anyway but that could lead to 4 loss teams getting in..,and there would no longer be a reason to schedule any strong OOC games as you ranking wouldn’t matter.

I like it. I don't want the Big12 and ACC to become irrelevant. In a 16 team playoff, there are 3 at larges (2 if ND gets in). looking at historical data, more often than not this helped the Big12 and ACC more. Ironically if their 3rd and 4th place teams are good, they can still get in. The only scenario that screws the Big12 and ACC is if both of them have over 3 teams that are worthy. Even in years where one of them had a potential 4th (and that was with teams in 4 conferences - Cincy, Utah, UCF), the other conference only had 1 (Pitt)
With the money gaps, the 4/4/2/2/ ensures the Big12 and ACC get 2.

As noted, The Big10 and SEC want to schedule OOC games. I suspect 8-16 per year. Some teams already have rivalry OOC, but if Clemson joins the SEC, that is settled, FSU can join the B10 or SEC, that is settled, etc.

Rutgers would at that point have 9 B10 and i suspect most times an SEC OOC (likely a Miss St or Arkansas), but better than what we usually get.

8 teams is more than enough.

I agree, But the Big 10 wants 4 auto bids and that only works in a 14 or 16 team. This piece doesn't make a difference to me since 12 or 16, there is that extra layer. 16 just means 2 extra week 1 games.

Big10 wants to do a

• 1v2 for the champion
• 3v6 for the 3rd qualifier
• 4v5 for the 4th qualifier

Potential is there for the 3rd to get in with a loss.
They want the money from the extra games (Helps with not having to go all in with Private Equity)

SEC did float the idea of

• 1v8
• 2v7
• 3v6
• 4v5

SEC believes their 1 and 2 would definitely get in with losses anyway and take the final 2 spots.

 

[tru2ru1]

I like it. I don't want the Big12 and ACC to become irrelevant. In a 16 team playoff, there are 3 at larges (2 if ND gets in). looking at historical data, more often than not this helped the Big12 and ACC more. Ironically if their 3rd and 4th place teams are good, they can still get in. The only scenario that screws the Big12 and ACC is if both of them have over 3 teams that are worthy. Even in years where one of them had a potential 4th (and that was with teams in 4 conferences - Cincy, Utah, UCF), the other conference only had 1 (Pitt)
With the money gaps, the 4/4/2/2/ ensures the Big12 and ACC get 2.

As noted, The Big10 and SEC want to schedule OOC games. I suspect 8-16 per year. Some teams already have rivalry OOC, but if Clemson joins the SEC, that is settled, FSU can join the B10 or SEC, that is settled, etc.

Rutgers would at that point have 9 B10 and i suspect most times an SEC OOC (likely a Miss St or Arkansas), but better than what we usually get.




I agree, But the Big 10 wants 4 auto bids and that only works in a 14 or 16 team. This piece doesn't make a difference to me since 12 or 16, there is that extra layer. 16 just means 2 extra week 1 games.

Big10 wants to do a

• 1v2 for the champion
• 3v6 for the 3rd qualifier
• 4v5 for the 4th qualifier

Potential is there for the 3rd to get in with a loss.
They want the money from the extra games (Helps with not having to go all in with Private Equity)

SEC did float the idea of

• 1v8
• 2v7
• 3v6
• 4v5

SEC believes their 1 and 2 would definitely get in with losses anyway and take the final 2 spots.

Too late: both the ACC & the Big 12 are already irrelevant & will remain irrelevant

 

[mosito]

They are more relevant than the G5.

I want them relevant enough to make the CFP and lose....

Keeps the SEC numbers down... especially if they start having more loses due to 9 Conference games.....

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

I’m on board with this, but will also put in a periodic plug to change the conference championship week into cross conference games - Big Ten #4 at SEC #1, etc.

The auto bids takes some interest off the championship games - which is fine. Conference championship games are mostly stupid, IMO. But seriously, what is the point of a single conference championship when the top four teams make the CFP?

 

[Morrischiano2]

Providing a solution for a problem that does exist.

You'd be hard pressed to find fans who want further-expanded football playoffs system. This is just extending the money grab. A 6 team playoff was fine, 8 was perfect but now they're going to continue to water it down.

 

[tru2ru1]

Providing a solution for a problem that does exist.

You'd be hard pressed to find fans who want further-expanded football playoffs system. This is just extending the money grab. A 6 team playoff was fine, 8 was perfect but now they're going to continue to water it down.

Complain all you want but ratings of live college sporting events are huge money makers & football fans will be watching from all over the world & the ratings will always be great for college football & the basketball tournament.

 

[mosito]

Definitely a money grab.

And the casual fan watches per the ratings (even on non typical TV windows)

The Conference Championship game is definitely just for money for the SEC and Big10. B10 and SEC get to do either 3 or 4 games


ACC and Big12 on the other hand, with 2 Auto bids. Do they protect the #1?

• 1 game
• Top team wins the conference and autobid
• 2v3 for 2nd spot

OR

• 2 games
• 1v4 (if one loses they might still make it in with autobid)
• 2v3

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

Providing a solution for a problem that does exist.

You'd be hard pressed to find fans who want further-expanded football playoffs system. This is just extending the money grab. A 6 team playoff was fine, 8 was perfect but now they're going to continue to water it down.

Hard disagree. CFP expansion has been the best thing for the sport in decades. How can one not love watching Tennessee freeze their asses off playing at Ohio State in the first round? More home playoff games please. I’d love to see bigger changes made for conference championship week - even if that means reducing the regular season by one game.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Hard disagree. CFP expansion has been the best thing for the sport in decades. How can one not love watching Tennessee freeze their asses off playing at Ohio State in the first round? More home playoff games please. I’d love to see bigger changes made for conference championship week - even if that means reducing the regular season by one game.

As a sport and not as a fan of a school- it makes sense. But if my school isn't a team that would have a shot at the playoffs more than 50% of the time, it would suck. No way I want one less regular season game for my team. And a 16 game playoff, really makes all the other bowls worthless. and I happen to be a fan of Rutgers and if they aren't in a game, I really don't have all that much interest in watching.

 

[DJ Spanky]

We need a major change, it's just not fair the way it is now. The regular season needs to be shortened to 8 or 9 games, then have a 128 field seeded based on conference and record. The first round of playoffs would be at the end of November and then proceed from there.

 

[beaced_rivals]

Definitely a money grab.

And the casual fan watches per the ratings (even on non typical TV windows)

The Conference Championship game is definitely just for money for the SEC and Big10. B10 and SEC get to do either 3 or 4 games


ACC and Big12 on the other hand, with 2 Auto bids. Do they protect the #1?

• 1 game
• Top team wins the conference and autobid
• 2v3 for 2nd spot

OR

• 2 games
• 1v4 (if one loses they might still make it in with autobid)
• 2v3

Or. NO games just a coin flip

 

[MADHAT1]

16 team playoff formula
Every conference champion ( conference picks playoff winner or regular season) 10 teams
Highest ranked Independent in top 10 or independents have to take their chances of being a wildcard pick .
3 extra conference picks 1 from B1G, 1 from SEC and the highest ranked team from between the ACC or Big 12 (Notre Dame gets to be considered an independent when independent qualification are considered and a ACC member when the extra conference picks are made.)
Rest of the field are wildcards with the picks based on CFP poll rankings

 

[Ty Webb_rivals67856]

To designate that 2 conferences get 4 auto bids is crazy.
I mean, in most years, it would happen anyway but that could lead to 4 loss teams getting in..,and there would no longer be a reason to schedule any strong OOC games as you ranking wouldn’t matter.

It's stupid but the SEC and BIG have all the power now.

But you raise a good point. What if the BIG has a down year and the 4th best team has 4 losses and let's say FSU, Miami and Clemson are all 2 losses or better?

It's unlikely it would happen or at least often enough to create a problem but still.

 

[RUGuitarMan1]

I’m fine with a 16 team playoff. Of course $$$ is a major reason - when hasn’t it been? The 16 team playoff would represent about 12% of the total Div 1 schools, that’s not excessive by any means. Most bowls are kind of on their way out, many top players now opt out of them. The games have become increasingly meaningless. The football playoff will increasingly become one of the top post season events nationally in my opinion.

 

[T2Kplus20]

16 team playoff formula
Every conference champion ( conference picks playoff winner or regular season) 10 teams
Highest ranked Independent in top 10 or independents have to take their chances of being a wildcard pick .
3 extra conference picks 1 from B1G, 1 from SEC and the highest ranked team from between the ACC or Big 12 (Notre Dame gets to be considered an independent when independent qualification are considered and a ACC member when the extra conference picks are made.)
Rest of the field are wildcards with the picks based on CFP poll rankings

Cut the playoffs back down to 4 teams or maybe 6. All other games are complete garbage (e.g., what happened this season).

 

[mosito]

It's stupid but the SEC and BIG have all the power now.

But you raise a good point. What if the BIG has a down year and the 4th best team has 4 losses and let's say FSU, Miami and Clemson are all 2 losses or better?

It's unlikely it would happen or at least often enough to create a problem but still.

In a 16 Team Playoff, a 4/4/2/2/1/3 - Assuming the current teams in conferences
This really can't happen because of the 2(3) at larges that includes ND.
People have run the numbers since the initiation of the CFP and the ACC and Big12 benefited the most instances since they would have only had 1 team(Ironic for the ACC since their teams haven't changed). Just in the past 7 years, the ACC would have only had 1 team in 2018,19,21,23.

While many folks like to say, what if the SEC and Big10 have a down year.... It is more likely that the Big12 and ACC will based on the CFP historical standings before the conference championship games.

In a 14 team without at larges (only 1, but ND so technically 0), it is more likely to happen to every conference, but still more likely to the ACC and Big12.

In short what the AQs do in a 16 team playoff, is limit the SEC to 6 teams. In the past 7 years they would have had 7 teams twice. But they only have an 8 game conference schedule, so maybe limiting them to 6 teams is appropriate.

SEC was initially not on board with this, but because they only got 3 teams in last year and the desire for play in games, they have come around to accept this. They also realize if they go to 9 Con games, that 7th team is likely not a possibility.


I personally like the 4/4/2/2.... I don't want the Big12 and ACC to disappear. I think college football is stronger with them...
They are already going to start falling behind on money...... having only 1 team in the CFP is bad for them. Likewise it limits the SEC to 6 max....

 

[rufeelinit]

They couldn’t find 12 worthy teams last year so the answer is to add 4? $$$ is the answer.

 

[T2Kplus20]

They couldn’t find 12 worthy teams last year so the answer is to add 4? $$$ is the answer.

MEGA +1!

 

[mosito]

Oh for sure ....

SEC and B10 want 4AQ for 3 play-in games.

Only way they can do that is with at least 14 team CFP.

But there was been too much push back from people thinking that Big12 and ACC deserve more than 2, they have no choice but to bump it to 16 teams....

Who knows what happens

 

[50 yd line RR]

SEC dosent want to limit it to 4 AQ’s They think they will dominate like basketball, baseball and softball.
They feel they can have as many as 8 teams in.