What's Happening?
Penn State's head coach, James Franklin, has voiced concerns over the scheduling disparities among major college football conferences. While the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 are moving towards a standard of 10 games against power conference opponents, the Big Ten has not adopted this approach. Franklin argues that the lack of uniformity in scheduling could affect playoff selections and undermine claims of having the toughest schedule. The Big Ten currently maintains a nine-game league slate but does not require non-conference power opponents, unlike its peers. Franklin and other coaches, like Indiana's Curt Cignetti, are calling for standardized schedules to ensure objective criteria for playoff selections.
Why It's Important?
The push for standardized scheduling is significant as it impacts the fairness and clarity of playoff selections in college football. Conferences like the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 have already adopted more rigorous scheduling standards, which could influence perceptions of team strength and playoff eligibility. The Big Ten's current approach may put its teams at a disadvantage in playoff discussions, potentially affecting their chances of competing for national titles. Uniform scheduling could lead to more equitable comparisons between teams from different conferences, ensuring that playoff selections are based on comparable criteria.
What's Next?
If the Big Ten decides to adopt a standardized scheduling approach, it could lead to significant changes in how teams prepare for the season and strategize for playoff contention. Coaches and conference officials may engage in further discussions to address these disparities and consider adjustments to align with other major conferences. The outcome of these discussions could influence future playoff formats and criteria, potentially reshaping the landscape of college football.
