Let's talk about a topic that has me deeply concerned: the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to an absurd 24 teams. It's a scenario that feels eerily reminiscent of the disaster satire film "Don't Look Up," where a comet heading towards Earth is ignored by those in power, leading to civilization's demise.
In this case, the comet is the idea of a 24-team CFP, and the power-brokers are the commissioners and administrators who seem hell-bent on this expansion despite the overwhelming opposition from fans. The regular season, the heart and soul of college football, is at stake here.
The Problem with Expansion
The current CFP format, with its 12 or 14-team structure, has served college football well. It ensures that the regular season matters, that teams can't afford to have losing records and still make the playoffs. It's a system that has created intense competition and memorable moments.
However, there's a growing movement to double the size of the CFP, led by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti. This expansion, if it goes through, would fundamentally alter the sport. It would devalue the regular season, as teams with mediocre records could still find themselves in the playoffs. It's a move that, in my opinion, prioritizes financial gains over the integrity of the sport.
The Self-Preservation Agenda
What's driving this expansion? It's a classic case of self-preservation. Commissioners and administrators are looking out for their own job security rather than the long-term health of college football. They've created crises by making conferences too big and fighting against player compensation, and now they're trying to fix these problems with half-baked solutions.
For instance, the justification that teams will play tougher non-conference games doesn't hold up. Teams will still prioritize their conference schedules, and the quality of those games won't necessarily improve. It's a superficial fix to a deeper issue.
The Role of ESPN and Fox
The media giants ESPN and Fox also have a vested interest in this expansion. ESPN, the exclusive CFP rightsholder, wants to keep the field at 12 or 14 teams, as any expansion beyond that would mean less money for them. Fox, on the other hand, sees an opportunity to grab a piece of the pie with a 24-team format.
It's a battle of media giants, and the future of college football hangs in the balance. The question is, will the sport's administrators prioritize the sport's integrity and the fans' wishes, or will they cave to the pressure and financial incentives?
The Power of the People
The good news is that the fans have a voice. The overwhelming majority of college football fans are against this expansion, and their voices can make a difference. School presidents and chancellors need to hear from their constituents, the fans who love and support the sport. They need to understand the potential consequences of this expansion and the value of the regular season.
So, if you're a college football fan, speak up. Contact your school's administration and let them know how you feel. The future of college football is at stake, and it's up to us to ensure that the sport we love remains true to its roots.
