By Skeeter Smith
Playoff expansion has been a hot topic in college football since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014. When the format was initially set at four teams, many were already arguing for expanding the field. While the idea of a larger playoff bracket sounded appealing on the surface, there have always been compelling arguments against it. The two primary concerns surrounding playoff expansion are that it would diminish the excitement of the regular season and lead to more lopsided games in the postseason.
Now, do I think teams like Georgia and Ohio State will be in the playoffs almost every year? Yes. But the notion that this would make college football less exciting is simply silly.
When has the regular season of college football ever been considered boring? Regardless of how the season concludes, it consistently has given us unpredictable wild moments that makes college football college football. Let’s say a big upset like Alabama losing to USF in Week 2 happens. Even if Alabama still makes the playoff, that shocking moment would still resonate deeply with the players, the fans, and the entire college football community.
The same holds true for rivalry games. Whether both teams enter Rivalry Week undefeated or winless, the passion and hatred for one another would remain unchanged. For true football fans, every game carries meaning, regardless of playoff implications, because that’s what being a fan is all about.
As for concerns about blowouts, lopsided games have always been part of college football and will continue to be. Even during the BCS era, not every championship game was exactly a nail-biter. In fact, out of the 16 BCS Championship games, half were decided by at least two touchdowns. This has continued into the CFP era, with many blowouts in playoff and national championship games.
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In my opinion, there’s more reason to be excited about the new playoff expansion than to dread it.
One of the most thrilling aspects of the expanded playoff is the prospect of on-campus playoff games. The atmosphere at these home playoff games will be electric, offering matchups we rarely see during the regular season. Imagine the anticipation and excitement of Penn State hosting LSU (or vice versa) in a first-round showdown.
Additionally, the increase in playoff games could help reduce the growing number of player opt-outs we see at the end of each season. With many players and fans starting to see bowl games as meaningless anyway, this expanded format allows for a few more meaningful games to be played at the end of the year.
All in all, college football isn’t dying, and this season will once again prove that. Despite frustrations with NIL, conference realignment, and the transfer portal, millions of fans will still tune in every Saturday to watch their teams compete for 60 minutes on the gridiron.
So no, a 12-team playoff will not ruin the regular season.
