* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
As college football gears up for the highly anticipated College Football Playoff (CFP), Penn State head coach James Franklin has sparked a significant conversation regarding the need for uniformity within college football. Franklin's remarks, made during a recent discussion at Dania Beach, Fla., reflect an urgent call for standardization in how college football operates, particularly with the rise of the expanded playoff system.
At the heart of Franklin's argument is the ongoing debate about conference affiliation and how it affects the College Football Playoff selection process. As the head of Penn State, Franklin is aware of the intricacies involved in representing the Big Ten Conference against Notre Dame, an independent team in the playoff on Thursday night. The implications of this matchup go beyond just the game; they touch upon the very structure of college football.
During his comments, Franklin emphasized the importance of every team being part of a conference, arguing that consistency is crucial to ensuring fairness and clarity in the playoff selection process. He stated, "It should be consistent across college football ... I think everybody should be in a conference." Franklin's sentiments stem from his experiences in navigating the complexities of the CFP, where teams have varying schedules and game counts, making it challenging to compare them fairly.
One of the critical points Franklin raised is the number of conference games played by teams. Currently, the Big Ten maintains a nine-game conference schedule, while the SEC and ACC opt for eight. This discrepancy leads to complications when evaluating teams' performance and strength of schedule. Franklin suggested that either all teams should play the same number of conference games or that no team should participate in a conference championship game to create a level playing field.
Moreover, Franklin's remarks reflect a broader concern about the evolving nature of college football amidst the expanded playoff format. With the CFP now featuring 12 teams, the need for a coherent and fair system is more pressing than ever. As Franklin pointed out, having a college football commissioner unaffiliated with individual schools or conferences could help oversee these changes and ensure that decisions are made from a holistic perspective.
Interestingly, Franklin's comments come at a time when Notre Dame maintains its proud tradition of independence, which has been a hallmark of the school's identity. Coach Marcus Freeman, sitting next to Franklin, acknowledged that while the Fighting Irish enjoy their unique status, they also appreciate the flexibility it offers. Notre Dame competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for most other sports, and Freeman highlighted their ability to use the weekend of conference championships as an opportunity to rest and recover.
This conversation is essential, especially as college football navigates its future with the new playoff format and the shifting landscape of conferences. With teams from different backgrounds presenting unique challenges, finding common ground has become increasingly necessary. Franklin's insights point to a desire among coaches and programs to ensure that the best teams are represented fairly in the playoff system.
In conclusion, the path forward for college football requires careful consideration and collaboration among all stakeholders. As Franklin advocates for greater uniformity in the game, one can only hope that this discussion will prompt meaningful changes that enhance the sport's competitiveness and integrity. As the Penn State Nittany Lions prepare to face Notre Dame in the CFP Semifinal, the stakes are high, not just for the teams involved but for the future of college football itself.
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.