The world of college football is set to witness a significant change with the introduction of a 12-team playoff bracket, a move designed to address the complexities associated with determining a national champion. However, this new system, slated for unveiling, is not without its challenges.
In the realm of college football, deciding the national champion has historically been fraught with difficulties. The announcement of a 12-team playoff is the latest attempt to navigate these challenges, though it is not considered a flawless solution. The anticipation for the announcement was marked by uncertainty, following a frantic conclusion to the conference championship weekend.
The 13-member selection committee faced a critical decision: choosing between Alabama and SMU for the final spot. Alabama, with a 9-3 record, did not compete in the latest week and was previously ranked 11th. In contrast, SMU entered the week ranked 8th, boasting an 11-2 record, but missed an automatic playoff entry after a narrow loss to Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game. SMU’s coach, Rhett Lashley, expressed frustration over the selection process, stating, “I don’t know what to say. They don’t care what I say. But we should be in, and they know we should be in, so we’ll see what happens.”
The design of the playoff involves more than simply ranking teams. The top four conference champions receive byes into the quarterfinals, scheduled for December 31 and January 1, at various bowl games nationwide. Expected participants in this category include Oregon (Big Ten), Georgia (SEC), Boise State (Mountain West), and Arizona State (Big 12).
The remaining eight teams are set to compete in first-round games on December 20 and 21, hosted on the campuses of higher-seeded teams. They will be ranked except for any of the top five conference champions, regardless of their top-12 ranking status, with Clemson assured a spot. Other likely contenders include Notre Dame, Texas, Penn State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Indiana, with the 12th spot likely going to Alabama or SMU.
The evolution of this playoff system reflects broader changes within college football, including major conference realignments and the influence of player transfers and compensation regulations. These elements have contributed to an unpredictable season, complicating the selection process and highlighting the inherent uncertainties in the expanded format. Oregon, undefeated this season, is considered the favorite heading into the playoffs, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Georgian quarterback Carson Beck’s injury during the SEC title game represents a potential complication for the Bulldogs. Despite this challenge, Georgia’s coach, Kirby Smart, remains optimistic about his team’s resilience, noting, “We’re beat up, we’re tired, we’re mentally fatigued. But I don’t know if I’ve ever had a more mentally tough team. They just keep coming, keep coming. They never say die.”
The upcoming introduction of a 12-team playoff in college football heralds a shift towards a more inclusive yet complex approach to naming a national champion. While it aims to remedy past issues, the system is set to face scrutiny and debate as it navigates this transitional period.
Source: Local10
