5+7 Playoff Format Unanimously Approved

[Webmaster]

The CFP Board of Managers has approved the 5+7 format, which will be the 5 highest rated conference champions plus the next 7 highest rated teams as determined by the CFP Committee.

I personally am not thrilled with this after the CFP Committee proved to be so biased and bungled the selection last season, but there it is. Be curious to know ya'll's thoughts on the matter.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

Anytime the words "highest rated" are in there it means they have discretion. . . which means there will be controversy undoubtedly.

[smubrooks]

Strength of schedule shouldn't be held against us anymore so just win baby!

[Charleston Pony]

I don't have any problem with it because it will allow a conference champion outside of the P4 conferences an opportunity to compete. It is highly unlikely any of the 7 at large bids will go to any team outside of that P4 group and yes, as usual it will be very biased and controversial as to who gets those at large bids. Just like March Madness bids in hoops, it is highly unlikely the 12 best teams will be included but realistically no team towards the bottom of the 12 selected teams will have any chance of actually winning the national championship

[ponyte]

Based on this, one can count on SMU being excluded even if SMU s #2 in the conference and ranked #2 in the nation. CFP has proven they can find any excuse to exclude any team.

[NavyCrimson]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! It's a given!!!

[shadowman]

Obviously great that SMU will be in a Power Conference, and the sooner the better.

BUT,

You have to feel that SMU would have been on the shortlist to take one of those conference spots if we were in the AAC next year. You figure Cal or Standford won't be close, which means a G5 conference champ is going to be in the playoff next year.

With who we have returning, you would have to think SMU would be the favorite to nail down one of the five spots. You have to figure winning the AAC and being the highest rated G5 team would have been considerably easier than winning the ACC.

Now, while we are slugging away in the ACC, some team like Memphis, Tulane, or Fresno State is going to waltz into the CFP, a spot that should have been ours!

[ShantyBoy]

I’m not sure how anyone can look at our upcoming schedule in comparison to what it would be in the AAC, and all of the buzz being generated by our new association with the ACC, not to mention the basketball that is coming our way, and imply we would be better off staying in the American with ntsu and the gang.

[Dukie]

I’m not sure how anyone can look at our upcoming schedule in comparison to what it would be in the AAC, and all of the buzz being generated by our new association with the ACC, not to mention the basketball that is coming our way, and imply we would be better off staying in the American with ntsu and the gang.

Right--there would have been zero upside to trying to be the tallest [little person] in the G5, trying to beat all the UABs and hoping some App State or FAU rando doesn't also go undefeated.

[shadowman]

I totally agree and would not be surprised if they make it much harder for a G5 team to make it after 2025 when they tweak it again. but the "tallest" midget will have a playoff spot for the next two years right when we make the leap to the giants.

Just something I was thinking about, very glad to be in the ACC and the long term benefits that will provide.

[Dukie]

I totally agree and would not be surprised if they make it much harder for a G5 team to make it after 2025 when they tweak it again. but the "tallest" midget will have a playoff spot for the next two years right when we make the leap to the giants.

Just something I was thinking about, very glad to be in the ACC and the long term benefits that will provide.

I hope you're right about "long term." I do fear SMU and Duke could be reunited with Tulane and others soon enough. Hopefully not.