billybud wrote:2019...
Notre Dame would not make 8 team playoff...would make 16
2018...
Notre Dame made CFP four team playoff
2017...
Notre Dame would not make an 8 team playoff...would make a 16 team playoff
2016...
Notre Dame would not make 16 team playoff
2015...
Notre Dame would make an 8 team CFP (last place). But would probably not make it if Five P5 Champs are AQ...other P5 programs were higher in the CFP. Michigan State, Ohio State, and Iowa were ranked higher in the CFP.
There is something to be said about facts and numbers; and there they are.
The only thing I'll add, is conjecture, though it might be obvious to us all at this point.
Back when the last conference realignment occurred, there was a bunch of talk about how the Big XII was inevitably going to implode.
Since then, the Big XII has established themselves quite securely, and has become a ratings monster in TV viewership [with the help of FOX]
The Pac-12, on the other hand, has dwindled down to a meager regional bump. They are struggling to get the numbers, and their Pac 12 Network is failing.
Some had praised the Pac for not inking a contract with espn, and going independent with their broadcasting. However, what those people likely are not aware of, is that the Pac-12 was unable to acquire a Broadcast Partner. ESPN, FOX Sports1 and CBS Sports all turned them down, due to their inability to draw.
Getting a new commissioner is putting a band-ade on a on a hole in the dam. The general viewer isn't interested. So, they are going to need to finagle something by political means, to keep the swell from going over the levy.
Their were rumors popping up just within the last two years, of the Pac-12 breaking up. I just don't think getting a team into the College Football Tournament will be enough. Expanding to 16 teams, for the Pac, is the only way they have two representatives. But what even is that worth, if they are both bounced in the first round?
And if a group of 5 team were to advance ahead of the Pac, it could do more harm than good.
For Notre Dame, the implication are a lock. The SEC would undoubtedly have 3, maybe even 4 teams in. The Big 10 & XII would get 2, possibly 3 some years.
So, unless the pollsters manipulate the voting enough, the Pac could find themselves competing for a second spot versus a second Group of 5 team every year.
Clearly expanding the playoff is imminent. I just don't see the benefit of going to 16 for anyone other than the Pac-12 and Group of 5.
16 Teams = 7
Power5 Champions
Notre Dame
Best Group of 5
+
additional, SEC (3)
additional, Big 10 (2)
additional, Big 12 (2)
additional, Pac 12 (1)
additional, G of 5 (1)
It would seem like an anomaly to fall outside of this build.
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