In 2014, when the College Football Playoff was introduced with its four-team format, a significant decision sparked debate. The selection committee chose to exclude both TCU and Baylor, who were co-champions of the Big 12 that year. Instead, they selected Ohio State, the champion of the Big Ten. This decision was somewhat vindicated when Ohio State went on to win the national championship, becoming one of only two No. 4 seeds to achieve this. However, the snub left TCU and Baylor questioning the fairness of the process, especially since the Big 12 did not host a championship game at that time, limiting their opportunity to showcase their teams.
This lack of a 13th data point, a crucial factor in the eyes of many, led the Big 12 to reintroduce its conference championship game just three years later. Now, nearly a decade after that controversial season, there’s speculation about the effectiveness of the 13th game, particularly as the playoff format expands to 12 teams.
In some scenarios, including this weekend’s ACC Championship in Charlotte, adding that extra game could be more harmful than beneficial. If SMU, currently ranked No. 8, loses to No. 17 Clemson, they might find themselves out of the playoff picture altogether. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips has expressed concerns, arguing that removing conference championship games could significantly hurt teams positioned for playoff contention.
As the selection committee prepares for their decision-making, eyes are on the latest rankings and what they entail for the teams. The stakes are high, and not just for SMU. Clemson, with its talent and past success, presents a real threat to upset the playoff landscape if they secure a win. The dynamics of the playoff race may shift dramatically based on these outcomes.
In particular, the ACC Championship has become a showdown between an upstart program and a long-established powerhouse, with implications that could change the future of college football. Coaches and athletic directors alike are voicing that how this weekend unfolds may influence future playoff structures and whether 13th games continue to be seen as beneficial.
Looking at recent seasons, analysis shows that for many teams, participating in a conference title game hasn’t always led to playoff success. With the current system, five out of eight teams playing in this weekend’s championship games are already in the playoff field, which raises questions about the value of these matchups.
As conference alignments evolve and teams become more competitive, the rationale for maintaining championship games may need reevaluation. Critics point out the risks of potential injuries and exhausting matches just ahead of a four-round playoff, a fact that raises alarms among coaches about the safety of their players.
Moreover, the financial aspect of these games cannot be overlooked. Television deals and ticket sales from championship games generate significant revenue, but as leagues consider changes, there are opportunities to restructure and still maintain financial viability through playoff expansions.
Many voices within the college football community are calling for a reassessment of how the postseason is structured. The potential elimination of conference championships could lead to a more streamlined playoff experience while addressing the congested schedule that conflicts with the NFL.
Ultimately, the future of college football might hinge on the decisions made in the coming days, as the implications of both the current structure and potential changes resonate throughout the sport. As conference championship weekend approaches, college football fans are left to wonder: will we see a transformation in how teams are crowned and how they compete for postseason opportunities?
