College Football Playoff Expansion: FCS Format Offers Fair Solution
The latest debate in college football centers on the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Big Ten and SEC athletic directors have pitched several complicated formats, but none have won everyone over.
Honestly, a simpler—and maybe fairer—solution inspired by the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) could solve a lot of headaches. Let’s dig into the current talks and see why the FCS format might just work for everyone.
The Current State of CFP Expansion
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CFP expansion has become a hot topic, with different proposals bouncing around. The Big Ten and SEC can’t agree on a format.
The Big Ten wants a 16-team bracket, while the SEC has its own ideas. The main sticking point is how to hand out automatic bids, which have usually favored certain conferences.
Proposals on the Table
One proposal floats a 24 or 28-team format. In this plan, the Big Ten and SEC would get six or seven automatic bids each.
The Big 12 and ACC would get two fewer, and four spots would go to non-automatic qualifiers. It’s a tangled system that’s drawn plenty of criticism.
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has another plan: four automatic bids each for the Big Ten and SEC, two for the Big 12 and ACC, and one for the Group of 5. A lot of folks say these ideas just keep the balance tipped toward the richest conferences.
The FCS Format: A Simpler Solution
The FCS playoff system might offer a proven model for the CFP. It’s straightforward and gives almost every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) a shot at the Playoff.
How the FCS Format Works
The FCS playoff uses 24 teams. Ten conference champions get automatic bids.
The other 14 spots go to at-large selections chosen by a committee. The top eight seeds land a first-round bye.
The remaining 16 teams play in the first round. Every league’s champion gets a real chance at the title.
- 24 teams qualify
- 10 conference champions receive automatic bids
- 14 at-large entrants selected by a committee
- Top eight seeds receive a first-round bye
- Remaining 16 teams compete in the first round
Benefits of the FCS Format
The FCS format brings some clear advantages over the current and suggested CFP setups. It gives every conference a shot and guarantees each champion a place at the table.
Equal Access for All Conferences
With the FCS format, every conference champ gets an automatic bid. That means teams from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, and Sun Belt would join the Power 4 in the Playoff.
Honestly, this kind of inclusivity could spark more exciting matchups and shake up the usual playoff routine.
Opportunities for At-Large Teams
There’s also plenty of room for at-large bids. Strong teams that miss out on their conference title still have a path in.
Think about last year—teams like 9-3 Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Missouri, Miami, and BYU got left out, even with solid seasons. The FCS format could fix that.
Financial Considerations
Let’s be real: money drives a lot of this push for CFP expansion. More games mean more revenue, and the biggest conferences want a bigger piece of the action.
But a fairer system like the FCS model could still bring in plenty of cash while making the Playoff more open and competitive.
Revenue Distribution
The Big Ten and SEC already rake in a big share of the revenue. The FCS format’s wider inclusion could spread financial benefits more evenly.
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That might help smaller conferences and schools upgrade their programs and facilities, making college football more competitive overall.
Fan Engagement
A more open playoff would probably boost fan engagement, too. Fans from smaller conferences would have a reason to tune in.
That could mean bigger audiences, more ticket sales, and, yeah, more money for everyone involved.
Potential Challenges
Of course, the FCS format isn’t without its bumps. Expanding to 24 teams means some logistical headaches and pushback from those who already benefit from the status quo.
Logistical Adjustments
Going to a 24-team playoff would force changes in scheduling, travel, and venues. Managing these details won’t be easy, but it’s doable with the right planning.
Resistance from Power Conferences
The Big Ten and SEC might not want to give up any ground. Convincing them to support a more inclusive system could take some real negotiation—and maybe a little arm-twisting.
Conclusion
The debate over CFP expansion just keeps going. People really want something fair and simple, but it’s tricky to get everyone on board.
Some folks point to the FCS playoff format as a solid example. That system gives every conference a shot and keeps things competitive.
Would switching to that model shake things up for the better? Maybe. It could make the postseason more exciting and open, at least in theory.
If you’re curious about the latest on CFP expansion and how the FCS approach might fit, give The New York Times analysis a look. It’s a pretty detailed read.