1. The problem. I think the current system - (while an improvement - especially the New Year's 6 bowls idea) still remains a destabilizing force for the long-term health of CFB. Having 4 slots for 5 major conferences and ND creates resentment, and back-biting, amongst the conferences trying to angle for one of the slots. All the current system does is keep the pressure on to go to 4 super-conferences - a bad deal for CFB, IMO, and an even worse possible deal for us.
2. Solution constraints. While it would be easy to just go the 1AA route and have a 16 team playoff, I recognize that won't fly nor do I particularly think it a good idea anyway. One thing I am sure any new proposal has to do is ensure a path to the playoff for each P5 conference champion, maintain the integrity of the regular season, maintain, as much as possible, the current bowl system and the New Year's 6 bowl games, and do all of this with as few extra games as possible.
3. NCAA changes. First, accept the Big12 and ACC plan to deregulate conference championship games (and the Big12, regardless of size, will agree to stage this "extra" game.) Allow G5 schools to start the season a week earlier (with games against other G5 schools), so that G5 conferences can stage their championship game the week before the big guys do.
4. The "plan". In effect, I am proposing a 12 team playoff with only 3 additional games while still keeping the playoff committee (with a bit of a reduced role).
Rd 1. In effect, each P5 conference can decide which 2 teams will play in what they currently call the CCG game but would, in reality, be the first round of the playoff. It would be scheduled the same week as currently with the winner of each game making the "next round" of the playoff. In addition, during "championship weekend", an additional "playoff" game would be held, (at the home of the highest ranked team) between the two highest rated G5 champions unless any div1 independent (ie ND and BYU?)are in the top 6 of the playoff committee rankings. If so, then these independents could play in this game. This will likely ensure at least 1 G5 team with an opportunity to win it all.
Rd 2. After championship week, the committee would seed the winners 1-6. Seeds 1 and 2 would get a bye and would be placed in each semifinal game. The remaining 4 teams would play the following week again at the home of the highest seeded team. The winners would advance to the semis while the losers would be guaranteed a spot in one of the New Year's 6 non-playoff bowls. I think all the non-New year's bowls, as well as those teams that get to join the rd 2 losers in the New Years 6 games, could be selected at the same time as they are today - the weekend after championship week.
5. Conclusion. Something needs to be done, IMO, and I think this might work as I think it preserves, to a great extent, the current bowl system, while keeping the number of "extra games" to a minimum. At most, a G5 team might play 2 extra games but I am sure they would take it as the current system will never let them in.
2. Solution constraints. While it would be easy to just go the 1AA route and have a 16 team playoff, I recognize that won't fly nor do I particularly think it a good idea anyway. One thing I am sure any new proposal has to do is ensure a path to the playoff for each P5 conference champion, maintain the integrity of the regular season, maintain, as much as possible, the current bowl system and the New Year's 6 bowl games, and do all of this with as few extra games as possible.
3. NCAA changes. First, accept the Big12 and ACC plan to deregulate conference championship games (and the Big12, regardless of size, will agree to stage this "extra" game.) Allow G5 schools to start the season a week earlier (with games against other G5 schools), so that G5 conferences can stage their championship game the week before the big guys do.
4. The "plan". In effect, I am proposing a 12 team playoff with only 3 additional games while still keeping the playoff committee (with a bit of a reduced role).
Rd 1. In effect, each P5 conference can decide which 2 teams will play in what they currently call the CCG game but would, in reality, be the first round of the playoff. It would be scheduled the same week as currently with the winner of each game making the "next round" of the playoff. In addition, during "championship weekend", an additional "playoff" game would be held, (at the home of the highest ranked team) between the two highest rated G5 champions unless any div1 independent (ie ND and BYU?)are in the top 6 of the playoff committee rankings. If so, then these independents could play in this game. This will likely ensure at least 1 G5 team with an opportunity to win it all.
Rd 2. After championship week, the committee would seed the winners 1-6. Seeds 1 and 2 would get a bye and would be placed in each semifinal game. The remaining 4 teams would play the following week again at the home of the highest seeded team. The winners would advance to the semis while the losers would be guaranteed a spot in one of the New Year's 6 non-playoff bowls. I think all the non-New year's bowls, as well as those teams that get to join the rd 2 losers in the New Years 6 games, could be selected at the same time as they are today - the weekend after championship week.
5. Conclusion. Something needs to be done, IMO, and I think this might work as I think it preserves, to a great extent, the current bowl system, while keeping the number of "extra games" to a minimum. At most, a G5 team might play 2 extra games but I am sure they would take it as the current system will never let them in.
