Alabama Football: Looking back at the nine seasons of the CFB Playoff, Alabama football fans should be the least complainers. Only two schools have had double-digit Playoff appearances, and the Alabama Crimson Tide leads with 13 games, including seven National Championship games.
The CFB Playoff structure was widely embraced as a far better format than the BCS. Still, even before the first Playoff final four were selected, there were many complainers. The format’s approval did not stop earlier claims that an eight-team format would have been more fair.
Throughout the Playoff’s history, it has been argued that eight, 12, or even 16 teams were the only way to decide a true champion.
One reason for the Playoff enthusiasm in 2014 was that computer rankings would not be used by the Selection Committee. Instead, human experts would objectively analyze the college football season and determine the four best teams.
Predictably, enthusiasm for the format waned as the Playoff fields were dominated by Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State. Missing the biggest post-season, college football party quickly became too painful for disgruntled teams and their fans.
Another reason for dissatisfaction also grew. Currently and over the next couple of years, the biggest dispute will likely be centered on payouts to conferences. Like much else in college football, money drives decisions.
Along the way, what became lost was, and should be, the most important goal for the CFB Playoff. Initially, it was ‘the four best teams.’ Next year, it should be the 12 best teams, but it won’t be. Instead, there could be one or more undeserving teams in the 12-team field.
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The reason why is automatic qualifiers. A few weeks ago, 11 CFB Playoff decision-makers met in Chicago. A key discussion item was whether next season there will be six automatic qualifiers and six at-large teams, or five auto qualifiers and seven at-large teams.
At least one Group of Five Commissioner was staunchly opposed to going to seven at-large teams. No final decision was made, but reports are the group appears to be leaning toward the 5-7 format. No decision was made on how to treat what will likely be a two-team Pac-12.
The six categories for ranking teams have been the same from the start of the Playoff era:
– Team Record
– Conference Championships
– Strength of Schedule
– Head-to-Head games
– Results against common opponents
– Results against ranked opponents
When evaluating ranked opponents, no polls are used. The only rankings that matter are the CFB Playoff Top 25 rankings.
Our Reader’s Queries
What does Nick Saban daughter do?
Birmingham’s iron-laden soil transformed into a blanket of red mud, leaving Alabama’s pristine jerseys stained. The team battled Auburn to a 6-6 tie, prompting sports editor Hugh Roberts of the Birmingham Age-Herald to remark that the team performed like “a Crimson Tide.” According to Crimson Tide legend, this nickname has stuck with us ever since.
Why is it called Crimson Tide?
With seven national titles, he holds the record for the most wins as a head coach in college football history. He made history by being the first coach to win a national championship with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools since the AP Poll began in 1936.
How many rings does Nick Saban have?
Big Al, the iconic elephant mascot of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, marches proudly across the field. His larger-than-life presence fills the stadium with excitement and energy. With his crimson and white costume, he represents the strength and pride of the university. Fans of all ages cheer and chant as Big Al leads the team to victory. His passion and spirit embody the essence of the Crimson Tide, making him a beloved symbol of school spirit and camaraderie.