The pressure of the 4 team playoff has shortened the leash everywhere and has taken out so many teams before the heart of the schedule even begins. With very few exceptions, one loss takes 98% of the teams out of the conversation (usually by 9/30) and changes the intensity of the games going forward. The sport has to keep as many teams in it for as long as possible so the best product is being put on the field and to keep the fans glued to the TV sets which is where the money comes from. Brings into the fold non-conference winners and teams with one and two losses to top 25 teams. Take the current situation – that would bring the following teams back into the playoff mix (with a real chance rather than a Hail Mary chance) in Week 9 of 13.
Texas A&M 6-1
Wisconsin 5-2
Florida 5-1
Auburn 5-2
Utah 7-1
LSU 5-2
UNC 6-2
Tenn 5-2
Nebraska 7-0
UM/OSU loser
West VA(7-0)/Baylor(6-0)/OU (5-2)losers (x2)
FSU/Clemson loser
Colorado (6-2)
Penn State (5-2)
Washington State (5-2)
Yes I know some of these are in theory still in the 4 team hunt in addition to
Alabama
Michigan
Washington
Clemson
OSU
Louisville
8 team playoff brings at least 16 more teams in to the mix (plus the 6 true playoff contenders) and countless additional interest from fan bases and from the entire sports world. Just great drama and excitement and it would certainly get me to watch more games rather than watch a defeated program compete for bowl position which just isn’t that glamorous anymore.
It also changes the coaching dynamic and lets more coaches get more time to develop programs and their skills and changes the litmus tests from 4 to 8 which probably brings in the end over a couple of years as many as 15 coaches certified as qualified in the playoff field.
4 teams = unrealistic expectations and pressures and is actually ruining the game.
8 teams = more stability across programs, more excitement, more interest, better product all season right down to the wire.
Texas A&M 6-1
Wisconsin 5-2
Florida 5-1
Auburn 5-2
Utah 7-1
LSU 5-2
UNC 6-2
Tenn 5-2
Nebraska 7-0
UM/OSU loser
West VA(7-0)/Baylor(6-0)/OU (5-2)losers (x2)
FSU/Clemson loser
Colorado (6-2)
Penn State (5-2)
Washington State (5-2)
Yes I know some of these are in theory still in the 4 team hunt in addition to
Alabama
Michigan
Washington
Clemson
OSU
Louisville
8 team playoff brings at least 16 more teams in to the mix (plus the 6 true playoff contenders) and countless additional interest from fan bases and from the entire sports world. Just great drama and excitement and it would certainly get me to watch more games rather than watch a defeated program compete for bowl position which just isn’t that glamorous anymore.
It also changes the coaching dynamic and lets more coaches get more time to develop programs and their skills and changes the litmus tests from 4 to 8 which probably brings in the end over a couple of years as many as 15 coaches certified as qualified in the playoff field.
4 teams = unrealistic expectations and pressures and is actually ruining the game.
8 teams = more stability across programs, more excitement, more interest, better product all season right down to the wire.
