College Sports: How to fix the college football playoffs? Excluding some traditional powers is a start

God knows we do not like complaining, but it seems fair to say that our fifth game in the playoffs at college football has been an almost closed society. Four schools – Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma – accounted for almost three-quarters of the invitations. This small country club suggests that, to make room for a Cinderella like the UCF, the playoffs must extend.

The funny thing is that Cinderella can get help from her Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 half-sisters one of these days, but not because they feel altruistic.

Consider the obvious: Alabama and Clemson are virtually locks, one way or the other. Even if Crimson Tide loses to Georgia in the SEC title game, the committee would take Alabama.

As for Clemson, it's practically the same story. Perhaps the only team in the country that could keep Nick Saban from his seventh overall title and six from Tuscaloosa.

Notre Dame, 9-0, also enters, though she can overcome Saturday's defeat of quarterback Ian Book, who gives way to former quarterback Irishman Brandon Wimbush.

Anything can happen on match day, as Jason Garrett told Jerry Jones, but the three teams above are probably the best bet.

Where it becomes sticky is fourth place. If it turns out to be the state of Michigan or Ohio, the status quo is maintained. Ditto for the Big 12 candidate from Oklahoma or West Virginia.

But if Georgia beats Alabama, could the committee really leave one of the big dogs in the SEC?

If such a scenario were to be played, it would mean that the last four teams will include two SEC teams for the second year in a row; the ACC; and an independent.

No Big Ten. No Big 12. No Pac-12.

Three-fifths of the power 5.

Pffffft.

Tim Brando – Fox broadcaster, Ballzy podcast mate and a guy who is not afraid to express an opinion on anything – has long recognized that the best way to expand the playoffs is the exclusion of big boys. They did not lay the foundation for building their leagues, mocked the NCAA and almost froze the poor just to sit and watch someone else bring everything back booty at home. They will eventually support the expansion simply because it means more money. But they will be faster if not participating in the CFP becomes a model.

They will not do it to create more Cinderellas. Do you think they're worried if an undefeated UCF is forgotten again? Country clubbers will acquiesce, but that will not lead to any significant change.

Especially when you have so many Happy Group 5 schools to get a bigger piece of the cake. The top-ranked group of 5 is guaranteed to participate in the New Year's Six Bowl. Under the BCS, Sun Belt received $ 1 million or $ 2 million annually.

Last year, the Sun Belt pocketed $ 15 million.

As told reporters Karl Benson, the Commissioner of the Sun Belt, in January, "I am very pleased with the current agreement".

But does not everyone like Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament?

And is not it almost impossible with a four-team play-off?

"I think it's more difficult," said Judy MacLeod, C-USA commissioner, to the same reporters, "but something must prove that I'm wrong to think that it's not. not impossible. "

Bottom line: Apart from UCF, do not count on the group of 5 to rock the boat.

On the other hand, the Power 5 does not fear a little dust, especially for money.

If two SEC teams are successful again, it will be two years in a row that neither the Big Ten nor the Pac-12 have qualified for the playoffs. You will start hearing more complaints about the SEC's bias. Or lower competition in ACC.

The six-team playoffs would obviously not be a panacea, but they would spread love. You could even withdraw the committee. Take the champions of the big five leagues and use computer models to choose an independent team or the best of the group of 5. A much less subjective tournament would take away the essential of the argument, although in there Reflecting, lively discussion can be part of the attraction.

Even if the change occurs, it will not be so soon. We are not even halfway through the 12-year MFF contract. But it's never too early to start hitting.

Twitter: @KSherringtonDMN