The Case for a 8-Team College Football Playoff

As we witness a thirty to forty point blowout in the first round of the playoffs, many viewers question whether twelve teams are indeed four too many. From a purely viewing perspective, there is an argument to be made for a smaller, more manageable 8-team playoff. However, while the current system has its benefits, it also presents several challenges, particularly for teams outside the elite Power 5 conferences. This article will explore why a 8-team playoff might be more ideal and the potential outcomes under a proposed format.

The Current System: Challenges and Limitations

The current system automatically includes the six highest-ranked teams that won their conference championships and the six highest-ranked teams that did not win their conference championships. Additionally, the four highest-ranked conference champions are seeded 1-4 and receive a first round bye. This setup, while transparent, leads to several issues, particularly for teams not part of the elite Power 5 conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and ACC).

Elite Conferences vs. Non-Power 5 Teams

With only five good-elite conferences, there is a high likelihood that a non-Power 5 team will make the playoffs and face a brutal task in the first round. This dynamic is evident in a hypothetical 2022 CFB playoff based on the AP Poll rankings as of November 7th. Let's break down the potential matchups and outcomes:

Example Playoffs System Based on AP Poll Rankings (2022 CFB Season)

Georgia Bulldogs: Bye Ohio State Buckeyes: Bye TCU Horned Frogs: Bye Oregon Ducks: Bye Clemson Tigers Tulane Green Wave (Non-Power 5) Michigan Wolverines Tennessee Volunteers LSU Tigers USC Trojans UCLA Bruins Alabama Crimson Tide

1st Round

5 Clemson Tigers vs. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama wins 8 Tennessee Volunteers vs. 9 LSU Tigers: Tennessee wins 7 Michigan Wolverines vs. 10 USC Trojans: Michigan wins 6 Tulane Green Wave vs. 11 UCLA Bruins: UCLA wins

2nd Round

1 Georgia Bulldogs vs. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide: Georgia wins 4 Oregon Ducks vs. 7 Michigan Wolverines: Michigan wins 3 TCU Horned Frogs vs. 8 Tennessee Volunteers: Tennessee wins 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. 11 UCLA Bruins: Ohio State wins

3rd Round

1 Georgia Bulldogs vs. 7 Michigan Wolverines: Georgia wins 8 Tennessee Volunteers vs. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes: Tennessee wins in a neutral environment (I think Tennessee gets the win)

The Advantages of an 8-Team Playoff

An 8-team playoff would offer a more balanced and fairer competition in several ways:

More Competitive Games: With fewer teams, games are likely to be closer, making for more thrilling and balanced matches. This also reduces the likelihood of shocking upsets that diminish the overall quality of the tournament. Reduced Travel and Costs: Fewer teams mean fewer travel costs and less logistical strain on teams, which is beneficial for both the teams and the fans. Focus on Team Performance: An 8-team playoff puts more focus on team performance throughout the season, as teams need to be more consistent and competitive to make the cut early on. Seeding and Byes: Seeding the top four teams to receive byes could ensure that the most dominant teams get easier paths to the championship, making the championship match more meaningful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the current 12-team playoff system has its merits, an 8-team playoff might offer a more balanced and engaging experience for both viewers and participants. With fewer teams, games are likely to be closer and more competitive, reducing the risk of blowouts and ensuring a more even playing field. This could result in more thrilling games and a more meaningful championship match, ultimately enhancing the overall appeal of college football playoffs.