📡 Neither the SEC nor Big Ten needs divisions. Both leagues would be better by getting rid of them and playing off 1 vs 2 in the title game.

[rocknthefreeworld]

The problem with the argument to get rid of the SECCG and let the two best teams play is that you can't be sure which two are the best teams without everyone playing each other. I highly doubt we want an 11 game conference schedule. So you are left with the two teams who won the most games against what might be highly different schedule strengths. They should have at least 6 teams in common over an 8 game season but those remaining 2 could make a big difference.

 

[planomateo]

B1G is pushing for 8 and eventually 16 team playoff. Guess it's the only way Michigan will get in...

 

[OldPlayer]

If you don't have divisions, the odds of a tie, with more than two teams, goes up dramatically. Then you get into the tie-breaking rules which will screw somebody (head-to-head, common opponent records, team that went more recently, current ranking). The "picking the better team" has to have rules and those rules usually don't pick the better team.

 

[TUSKtimes]

If you don't have divisions, the odds of a tie, with more than two teams, goes up dramatically. Then you get into the tie-breaking rules which will screw somebody (head-to-head, common opponent records, team that went more recently, current ranking). The "picking the better team" has to have rules and those rules usually don't pick the better team.

Big 12 have the right formula with their CCG.

 

[OldPlayer]

If you don't have divisions, the odds of a tie, with more than two teams, goes up dramatically. Then you get into the tie-breaking rules which will screw somebody (head-to-head, common opponent records, team that went more recently, current ranking). The "picking the better team" has to have rules and those rules usually don't pick the better team.

Big 12 have the right formula with their CCG.

" 'Splain it to me, Lucy"

 

[TUSKtimes]

" 'Splain it to me, Lucy"

Pretty simple, Big 12 has no divisions and the 2 best teams in the conference play each other in their CCG. Which, coincidentally, is what I wish the other power 5 conferences would emulate soon. No system is close to perfect, but the Big 12 has come the closest in power 5 football in eliminating bad to just average teams from showing up in their CCG.

 

[OldPlayer]

" 'Splain it to me, Lucy"

Pretty simple, Big 12 has no divisions and the 2 best teams in the conference play each other in their CCG. Which, coincidentally, is what I wish the other power 5 conferences would emulate soon. No system is close to perfect, but the Big 12 has come the closest in power 5 football in eliminating bad to just average teams from showing up in their CCG.

Only 10 teams that all play each other so the odds of a tie is small.

 

[Elderfalsedemigod]

No system is close to perfect, but the Big 12 has come the closest in power 5 football in eliminating bad to just average teams from showing up in their CCG.

Not trying to be argumentative but with only 1 year under their current format I am not sure there is enough evidence to say they have eliminated bad games. Last year a 2 loss TCU (with 1 of those losses already being to Okie) lost badly to Okie in the championship

 

[planomateo]

Only 10 teams that all play each other so the odds of a tie is small.

bingo. They play everyone - 9 game conference schedule that the SEC is scared of.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Only 10 teams that all play each other so the odds of a tie is small.

10 teams or 14, the Big 12 have done all they can to guarantee the 2 best teams in the conference show up for their CCG. The SEC nor any of the other power 5 conferences can say that. Plus, they also get that 13th game in the eyes of the committee.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Not trying to be argumentative but with only 1 year under their current format I am not sure there is enough evidence to say they have eliminated bad games. Last year a 2 loss TCU (with 1 of those losses already being to Okie) lost badly to Okie in the championship

That's because no one can guarantee that even one team will be Playoff worthy in a conference. That's why the Pac 12, B1G and Big 12 have been left out entirely from the playoff even for the winner of their CCG.

But since they've done away with divisions, at least the Big 12 hasn't had to watch a 6-6 UCLA team play Oregon for the Pac 12 championship while Andrew Luck and Stanford sit at home and watch the game with an 11-1 record.

 

[TerryP]

What's most amazing is that since the inception of the BCS we have honestly been looking for the 2 best teams in college football to play for the national championship. In that same period, we have not demanded that in our own conference championships. What a fraud.

You opened this bucket. Cite the years.

 

[TUSKtimes]

You opened this bucket. Cite the years.

You could have just as easily replied to my last quote. Say it ain't so?

 

[OldPlayer]

Only 10 teams that all play each other so the odds of a tie is small.

10 teams or 14, the Big 12 have done all they can to guarantee the 2 best teams in the conference show up for their CCG. The SEC nor any of the other power 5 conferences can say that. Plus, they also get that 13th game in the eyes of the committee.

They've done all they can because that's all they can do. In theory, if they added four additional teams, some of them would be good. Good enough to eliminate those that are getting in. Let's look at the numbers. All things being equal, each team in the Big12 has a 10% chance of winning the conference. All things being equal, each team in the SEC has a 7% chance of winning the conference. Yes, not all the teams in either conference have the same quality of players and coaches, but I like my beginning odds in the Big12 much better than the SEC. Now throw in the caliber of the worst team in each conference. Which is worst? Kansas or Iowa State? Which is worst? Vandy or Arkansas? Again, I like my odds in the Big12.

 

[planomateo]

I'll wait to congradulate them on their odds when they win something meaningful multiple times.

The Big XII has produced 0 since they've went to "One True Champion"

 

[TUSKtimes]

They've done all they can because that's all they can do. In theory, if they added four additional teams, some of them would be good. Good enough to eliminate those that are getting in. Let's look at the numbers. All things being equal, each team in the Big12 has a 10% chance of winning the conference. All things being equal, each team in the SEC has a 7% chance of winning the conference. Yes, not all the teams in either conference have the same quality of players and coaches, but I like my beginning odds in the Big12 much better than the SEC. Now throw in the caliber of the worst team in each conference. Which is worst? Kansas or Iowa State? Which is worst? Vandy or Arkansas? Again, I like my odds in the Big12.

Fewer dogs fighting for the same bone sounds about right. I'm not even suggesting that the Big 12 got to a CCG through anything noble on their part. The head coaches actually voted 7-3 in favor of divisions. They didn't expand when many thought they would pull the trigger and all bets were off.

My personal belief is that college football would be a lot closer to picking a worthy conference winner if the Big 12 was the power 5 model before they went back to a CCG. Play 9 conference games and let the playoff committee figure it out. I said earlier we are going to 8 playoff teams sooner rather than later so why not eliminate divisions, everyone play 9 conference games and pick the best 8 teams in the country.

This is where @TerryP chimes in about SEC money, politics and more SEC money.

The NCAA, the nonprofit association that runs college athletics, takes in close to $8 billion a year. According to a Business Insider report, there are now 24 schools that make at least $100 million annually from their athletic departments. In 2015, the most profitable athletic department in the country was at Texas A&M, raking in over $192 million. The University of Texas wasn’t far behind with $183 million.

 

[planomateo]

In 2015, the most profitable athletic department in the country was at Texas A&M, raking in over $192 million. The University of Texas wasn’t far behind with $183 million.

You can't bet that isn't sitting well down in Forty Acres.