Following the exclusion of the University of Notre Dame from the College Football Playoff, fans are voicing their frustration over what they perceive as an ineffective selection system. College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has proposed a solution: expanding the playoff field to 16 teams. This suggestion comes as a response to the growing discontent among supporters of teams that feel they were unjustly left out of postseason contention.
Herbstreit’s Vision for Playoff Expansion
Currently, the College Football Playoff includes 12 teams, but Herbstreit believes that an increase to 16 is necessary to ensure that the best teams participate. Speaking to TMZ Sports on Tuesday, he stated, “I think the only way it gets fixed is you gotta expand. You gotta go to probably 16 teams.” This proposal aims to provide a more inclusive and competitive playoff system.
Herbstreit specifically addressed the inclusion of teams from the “Group of 5” conferences, which are composed of five non-Power 5 leagues: the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA (C-USA), Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West, and Sun Belt. Currently, these conferences are guaranteed one playoff spot, but Herbstreit argues for a merit-based approach. “I feel like they have to get to a certain ranking to be able to qualify,” he explained.
While fairy-tale stories of underdog teams are celebrated, Herbstreit emphasizes the importance of prioritizing performance. He stated, “When you leave Texas, when you leave Notre Dame, when you leave Vandy, when you leave BYU out, the goal was to get the best 16 teams in my opinion into the tournament, not try to make everyone happy.” This perspective reflects a push towards a more competitive playoff landscape.
Notre Dame’s Controversial Decision
The situation has been particularly contentious for Notre Dame, which has expressed its discontent over the playoff selection process. In a surprising move, the Fighting Irish opted to withdraw from bowl contention, effectively ending their season. This decision has sparked criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind it.
Herbstreit acknowledges the scrutiny directed at Notre Dame’s choice but advocates for understanding the complexities involved. He noted that the current playoff system leaves significant gaps that need addressing to ensure fairness and competitiveness. “If you qualify, great, if you don’t, you’re out,” he said, advocating for a straightforward qualification system.
As the college football community grapples with the implications of these changes, Herbstreit’s call for an expanded playoff format may serve as a catalyst for discussions about fairness and inclusivity in college sports. The debate around playoff reform is likely to continue as stakeholders seek solutions that balance tradition with evolving competitive landscapes.
