The need for a separate division in FBS

[PreacherDog]

It appears to me to be fairly obvious that the Power 5 Conferences and Notre Dame need to form their own division. The non-power 5 schools could have their own playoff (using the lower tier bowls) system to determine a champion. The College Football Playoff states that "every FBS team has equal access based on its performance." That is an incredibly vague sentence, but it is pretty clear that the non power 5 schools really have no chance to make the playoffs because everyone will cry about their schedule. While I don't think UCF could win one of the Power 5 conferences let alone go undefeated in one. The fact is that they have won every game they have played. If they finish the season undefeated and win their bowl game, there would be an undefeated team in college football at the end of the day other than the champion. That seems to defeat the purpose of the playoff. There should only be one team left standing (undefeated or even the possibility of going undefeated) at the end of the year.
My proposal would be that you make 4 16 team Conferences (these conferences would be for football only - drop Rutgers to make room for Notre Dame and put ND in one of the conferences) and the Conference Champions are in the playoff. That would mean there are 64 schools in this division and around 66 or so in the other (they could add or subtract if they wanted too). I know there would be some teams pissed by this realignment. The ACC could add West Virginia and Notre Dame. The Big 10 could add Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State. SEC could add Kansas and Oklahoma. Pac 12 could add Texas, TCU, Texas Tech and Baylor.

Randy Edsall from UConn touched on this subject in a postgame rant after they played UCF. He makes a compelling point about the disparity. Here's a link the article.This will never happen but if UCF ends season undefeated that would not look good for the playoff.

 

[Hail State]

If UCF wants to be taken seriously there is nothing stopping them from scheduling some big boys for their non conference games. It's that simple. Schedule State, Georgia, Clemson and Miami and go undefeated and people might respect you. Until then, go home and get your shinebox.

 

[MaroonNation]

This will never happen but if UCF ends season undefeated that would not look good for the playoff.

The CFP Committee has every right to hold UCF out based on nothing more than their strength of schedule. It is pathetic.

 

[WilCoDawg]

Maybe UCF should be whispering sweet nothings into the ears of the SEC in case someone in the SEC, oh, gets the DP.

 

[PreacherDog]

If UCF wants to be taken seriously there is nothing stopping them from scheduling some big boys for their non conference games. It's that simple. Schedule State, Georgia, Clemson and Miami and go undefeated and people might respect you. Until then, go home and get your shinebox.

UCF beat a power 5 school (Maryland 38-10, while MD is not great they did beat Texas) and they played on the road. Their game versus Georgia Tech was cancelled due to hurricane which hurts their strength of schedule. And they are about to play two currently ranked teams to help raise their SOS. But look I am not advocating for UCF to be in top 4. I just thought the point of the CFP was to have a true champion. There seems to be an issue if another team can finish season undefeated. I am not saying they would win the playoff. That is why I feel there needs to be a different division for the non power 5 schools from the power 5. The power 5s would then be put into 4 Conferences and Conference champs would play in a playoff.

 

[Hugh's Burner Phone]

The CFP Committee has every right to hold UCF out based on nothing more than their strength of schedule. It is pathetic.

Some of the bowl projections have them playing UGA in the Peach. They will show them all they need to know about how low their schlong does or does not swing.

 

[PreacherDog]

Not arguing why they are left out. Just that reason why the non power 5s are even in the division. Their other power 5 game versus GA Tech was cancelled due to hurricane and they are about to play two currently ranked teams (if they win vs USF) to raise their SOS. The non power 5s have no chance to make it to the playoff. Why not create a lower division for them because their aren't on the same level.

 

[L4Dawg]

It won't happen because the G5 need the P5 to give them games where they pick up a huge check.

UCF is secretly happy where they are. They can ***** and moan about how its not fair.......without actually having to prove it.

 

[patdog]

Simple solution. 8-team playoff. 5 major conference champs. Highest ranked mid-major conference champ. 2 at large bids.

 

[mstateglfr]

Simple solution. 8-team playoff. 5 major conference champs. Highest ranked mid-major conference champ. 2 at large bids.

BAM!

 

[wpmusm]

UCF going up against Alabama would be kinda like when MS Valley played against UCLA awhile back in the NCAA Tournament. Definitely not a fair fight but the mid-majors could at least say they have a chance to play for a national title. I’d be fine with your proposal though I don’t see it happening anytime soon.

 

[patdog]

Maybe only seed the top 4 teams and let 5-8 just be a random draw.

 

[paindonthurt_]

17 a 8 team playoff but if it does happen it should be the top 8 in cfp rankings

 

[mcdawg22]

Simple solution. 8-team playoff. 5 major conference champs. Highest ranked mid-major conference champ. 2 at large bids.

One year there will be two undefeated mid majors and you will see people calling for 16 team playoff. The more parity continues the more there will be solid teams. No number is going to stop teams from claiming they were snubbed. While I understand the argument of "give them a chance", anyone that honestly thinks UCF can beat Oklahoma they Alabama in back to back games is lying to themselves. The eight game solution is more practical for the Power 5's though.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

4 is plenty. If it goes to 8 then you have people bitching about not getting in all over again. It doesn't solve anything