On a call with reporters on Wednesday, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark didn’t hold back his frustrations. Just a day after the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings were released, he found himself staring at a glaring injustice: the top team in his league was sitting at No. 15. It was a moment that called for action, and Yormark was ready to take a stand.
Big 12’s Dilemma in the Rankings
The landscape of college football is shifting, and the Big 12 is feeling the pressure. With the new 12-team playoff format on the horizon, the conference appears set to secure only one bid. That coveted spot will likely go to the winner of the title game between No. 15 Arizona State and No. 16 Iowa State. As the stakes rise, so does the urgency for Yormark to voice his concerns.
Yormark’s main contention? The selection committee seems more focused on logos than the actual performance of the teams. “The committee continues to show time and time again that they are paying attention to logos versus resumes,” he stated emphatically. This sentiment resonates deeply with fans and players alike, who believe that the heart of college football should be about merit, not mere branding.
Resumes Over Logos
In a sport where every game counts, Yormark is calling for a shift in perspective. He argues that strength of schedule must be a priority. Wins against Power 4 opponents should carry weight, especially when it comes to determining playoff eligibility. “Strength of schedule should matter. Wins against Power 4 opponents should matter,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for a fair evaluation process.
Currently, the Big 12 faces an uphill battle. The committee’s apparent preference for wins and losses could lead to a situation where a two-loss Power 4 conference champion is overlooked in favor of a three-loss team. Both the Sun Devils and Cyclones boast impressive 10-2 records, yet they may find themselves at a disadvantage due to the committee’s criteria. “No three-loss team from a Power 4 conference should get a bye over a two-loss conference champion from the Big 12,” Yormark argued.
The Boise State Factor
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the ranking of Boise State at No. 10. If the Broncos clinch the Mountain West title against UNLV, they could potentially edge out either Arizona State or Iowa State for the No. 4 seed and the final bye in the playoff. This scenario raises significant questions about the fairness of the selection process.
Yormark firmly believes that a Power 4 champion should always be prioritized over a Group of 5 champion. “In no way should a Group of 5 champion be ranked ahead of our champion,” he asserted, making it clear that he views the competitive landscape as skewed against the Big 12.
A Call for Change
As the college football season reaches its climax, the implications of these rankings are profound. The Big 12 is not just fighting for a playoff spot; it’s advocating for recognition and respect. Yormark’s passionate plea for a more equitable evaluation process reflects a broader sentiment among fans and players who believe that the true essence of college football lies in the spirit of competition.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. With the playoff format changing, this is a pivotal moment for the Big 12. Will the committee heed Yormark’s call for reform, or will the status quo remain? The answer could shape the future of college football as we know it.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs approach, the Big 12’s fate hangs in the balance. The conference’s performance in the upcoming title game will be scrutinized like never before. Fans are left to wonder: will the committee finally prioritize the merits of the teams over their logos?
Yormark’s passionate defense of the Big 12’s position is a rallying cry for all who believe in fairness and integrity in college football. As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: the debate over how teams are evaluated will continue to be a hot topic. The future of the Big 12—and perhaps the entire college football landscape—depends on it.
In the end, it’s about more than just rankings; it’s about the spirit of the game and the pursuit of excellence. As fans gear up for the playoffs, they can only hope that the selection committee will recognize the true value of the teams on the field. The time for change is now, and the Big 12 is ready to make its case.
