The current structure of the College Football Playoff (CFP) is under scrutiny as experts argue it should not merely reward the best twelve teams but instead focus on identifying the single best team in college football. This premise suggests that any team entering the playoff should have a legitimate claim to be the top team in the nation.
With approximately 130 teams in Division I football each season, it is crucial to understand that each one competes within a limited schedule. Historically, success in one”s conference was paramount, particularly for teams in elite conferences like the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference. However, as the landscape of college football has evolved, questions about national supremacy have become more pressing.
The debate over determining the best team dates back to the early 20th century, with attempts to recognize a national champion often hampered by ambiguity. Judge Eugene Bonniwell, who established an early championship trophy in 1919, only awarded it in years when a team stood out as unquestionably deserving. Over time, various polls emerged, attempting to compare teams that might never have faced each other.
As it stands, the College Football Playoff should not serve as a reward for simply being among the twelve best teams. Instead, it should act as a mechanism to establish who truly deserves the title of the best team in college football.
For instance, teams like Indiana, which went undefeated and defeated a previously unbeaten Ohio State in the conference championship, have strong claims for consideration. Other contenders like Notre Dame and Georgia also present valid arguments based on their performance throughout the season.
Current proposals suggest that the playoff format should be flexible, varying from two to six teams each year. This would likely include champions from major conferences and teams that remain undefeated. The idea is to ensure that those with the most compelling claims to the title are given the opportunity to compete.
For example, while a three-loss Alabama team may be viewed as stronger than an undefeated Virginia team, the latter”s perfect record in the Atlantic Coast Conference gives it a more plausible case for being the best team. Despite the financial implications of a smaller playoff, prioritizing the integrity of the competition should take precedence.
This approach would fundamentally reshape the playoff landscape by focusing on merit rather than simply accommodating a larger field for financial gain. In doing so, the College Football Playoff could fulfill its intended purpose of determining the true champion of college football.
