Year One of the expanded College Football Playoff has come to a thrilling end, and what a season it has been! The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 12-team field with a daunting path ahead, yet they emerged as national champions. This victory marks a significant milestone for head coach Ryan Day, but as the dust settles, the conversation shifts toward the future of the CFP and how it can be improved.
Calls for Change in Seeding
As discussions unfold, ESPN’s Rece Davis has sparked a conversation that many fans might resonate with. He suggests that the current seeding process, particularly concerning conference champions receiving a bye, needs a reevaluation. The initial intention was to mirror the NFL’s model, but the unique disparities among college football teams were not adequately considered.
Davis expressed his concerns, stating, “I do have a problem with the seeding.” He pointed out that the format treats conference champions similarly to how the NFL treats division champions, assuming they are all relatively equal. However, he argues that the differences among college football conferences are much greater than those among NFL divisions.
Rethinking Conference Champion Seeding
Without directly referencing the NCAA Tournament, Davis proposed a refreshing idea: what if being a top-five conference champion simply guaranteed a spot in the playoff field? “Your reward, to me, is getting into the field,” he explained. “And then just seed the bracket.” This approach could lead to a more equitable and competitive playoff system.
To illustrate his point, Davis compared the paths taken by teams like Ohio State and Oregon versus Penn State. Despite the Nittany Lions losing to both Ohio State and Oregon during the regular season and the Big Ten championship, they found themselves with an “easier path” to the CFP semifinals than their conference rivals.
Potential Matchups and Their Implications
Imagine the excitement if the 12-team field had been seeded according to the final CFP rankings! In this scenario, Oregon would have faced Indiana or Boise State instead of the eventual national champions, who came out of a bye. Meanwhile, Penn State could have met Notre Dame, their semifinal opponent, in the quarterfinals. These matchups could have drastically altered the playoff narrative!
Davis emphasizes that the seeding should reflect the committee’s evaluation of the teams. He believes that how the tournament unfolds is ultimately determined on the field, regardless of seeding. “It doesn’t mean they can’t win the games,” Davis remarked. “It doesn’t mean that whoever is seeded 11th or 12th in a true seed type of thing — doesn’t mean they can’t win. Of course they can.”
The Future of the Playoff System
With the current playoff format in its infancy, Davis is skeptical about immediate changes to the seeding process. He acknowledges that next year might be the last edition of the 12-team format as discussions of further expansion loom on the horizon. This uncertainty leaves fans and teams alike pondering what the future holds for college football’s postseason.
As we reflect on this season, it’s clear that the College Football Playoff has sparked intense debate and discussions about fairness and competition. The excitement of the playoffs is undeniable, but the question remains: how can we make it even better?
Looking Ahead
The 2023 season has set the stage for what could be an even more thrilling playoff experience next year. With teams like Ohio State proving their mettle, and the likes of Oregon and Penn State pushing the boundaries, college football is at a crossroads. Will the powers that be listen to the calls for change? Will they adapt the seeding to reflect the true competitive nature of college football?
As fans, we must stay engaged and vocal about the changes we wish to see. The passion for college football runs deep, and it’s our collective enthusiasm that can drive the conversation forward. So, what do you think? Should conference champions be treated equally, or is it time for a new approach to seeding? The future of the College Football Playoff is in our hands, and it’s an exciting time to be a fan!
