Nov. 27—***
The decision by ESPN and the College Football Playoff to extend the deadline for changes to the future format came at the perfect time.
The 12-team field needs to grow. That became obvious again on Tuesday, when the CFP standings indicated Miami might be left out … while the Notre Dame team it defeated the season looks to be in.
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The current 12-team field is better than the previous setup. By a country mile. But it has not quite found the sweet spot: 16 teams.
Here’s hoping the wise folks in charge of this enterprise realize the CFP can be even better. And a 16-team field will do the trick.
The 16-team field would allow the elimination of the toxic byes. And give the eight best programs in the country the chance to host a first-round game.
College football got a taste of home playoff football in 2024 and everybody loved it. Four more home games can only be better.
If the 16-team field was in place this season — quick, get everyone on a Zoom call — worthy teams Miami and BYU would make the cut. As it stands right now, they will just miss this time.
If the field jumps to 16 teams, it will be important that the Group of Five’s best continues to be included.
