The College Football Playoff is On Its Way

After the months of completing calculations to a confusing BCS formula (which I am unsure anyone actually understands), we have our BCS National Champion: the Alabama Crimson Tide. Though they won the “National Title,” there were many questions as to whether the Tide won it outright or if the Oklahoma State Cowboys (who also finished the season with only one loss) should have a share.  Another game between the two teams would have given the college football world the answers.

The Plus One is not far off.

The Associated Press recently reported that NCAA President Mark Emmert was in favor of a four-team playoff to decide the national champion, as long as the field did not grow any larger.  He believed that a 16-team playoff would take a large toll on the student athletes’ bodies and academic life.  Although, this is a great step for college football, the 16-team playoff would be more competitive and there is a way it could work without taking the toll on athletes.

If non-conference games were abolished from the schedules they would save their money and their time, allowing the athletes at least two games off from their usual season.  This would allow for the 16-team playoff to be played out at the end of the season and all conferences could be represented.  Teams would have about 14 games to play each season (give or take a game) with the 16-team playoff.  The 14 game season is one more game that teams play during the season and the time would not be a huge factor seeing how the teams already take a month off before playing their bowl game.  Lets hope the NCAA does not settle and continues considering the many playoff alternatives.

By: Chris Swift

(Photo by FH Alexander under a Creative Commons License)