Finally.
FBS leaders on adopted a change to the 12-team expanded playoff model, moving to a “5+7” system that incorporates five automatic qualifying spots for the highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large spots for the next highest-ranked teams.
I'd still like to see the 5(P5) + 5(G5) + 7 model, but this is a nice start.
Serious question, do you see this "start" as anything that will ever include the G5 more so than they were already included? IMO, at the end of the day, 8-12 is cannon fodder and an easy bye for the top teams.
The only thing that will increase the involvement of the G5 is if they start winning games in the playoffs (or at least coming close), when they get to the playoffs. G5 teams winning shows that G5 teams belong there. G5 teams getting crushed shows that they do not.
If the G5 has to play by the same rules as the P5 then I think we need a little incentive, and a few assurances, that we are getting the same opportunities.
Lower seeds taking it to the big boys is what makes the NCAA tournament so great. Sure, 9 times out of 10, the 13-16 seed is getting blasted... but then when they actually win... how awesome? Thats why everyone watches. The first two rounds are the best part of the weekend. It will probably be UCONN vs Arizona anyway, but that doesn't make Charleston knocking off UNC in a 15-2 match up any less incredible.
Thats kind of been my argument all along. To give G5 teams a REAL shot at not just the bowl games on that stage, but actually have a chance at all that money that comes along with it. That is HUGE for the G5 level. That could potentially level the playing field across FBS, as well.
Ohio State doesn't care about $6M from a lower tier bowl game... but that is 25% of OU's athletic budget. That's double our basketball budget. It could really do a lot of good. And even if teams get slaughtered, at least they earned their right to be there. Rather than what will essentially become additional regular season games between the SEC and Big 10.
Last Edited: 2/21/2024 9:39:18 AM by M.D.W.S.T