What's Happening?
Oklahoma Athletics Director Roger Denny is exploring the potential for the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion to facilitate a more robust nonconference schedule, including the revival of the Bedlam rivalry with Oklahoma State. The rivalry, which
began in 1904, was paused when the Sooners moved from the Big 12 to the SEC. Denny emphasized the importance of this rivalry for the state and its fans. The SEC's shift to a nine-game conference schedule has raised questions about how strength of schedule metrics will be evaluated for playoff seeding. Denny is seeking clarity on these metrics to ensure that scheduling tougher nonconference games will be beneficial for playoff opportunities.
Why It's Important?
The potential expansion of the CFP could significantly impact college football scheduling and rivalries. For Oklahoma, renewing the Bedlam series with Oklahoma State could enhance fan engagement and state pride. The expansion could also encourage teams to schedule more challenging nonconference games, potentially improving their playoff prospects. This development is crucial for the SEC and other conferences as they navigate the complexities of playoff selection criteria. The outcome could influence how teams strategize their schedules to maximize playoff chances, affecting the competitive landscape of college football.
What's Next?
Denny has not yet engaged in direct conversations with Oklahoma State about the future of the Bedlam series. The next steps involve gaining a clearer understanding of the CFP's evaluation criteria for strength of schedule. As discussions around playoff expansion continue, stakeholders will need to assess the implications for scheduling and rivalry renewals. The SEC and other conferences may push for a resolution on playoff expansion to align their scheduling strategies accordingly.
