Now that it’s a forgone conclusion that major college football is moving towards a playoff we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Or can we? We understand that the system will not be perfect, but at least we get to see the teams play it out. That said there will be significant downsides to a college football playoff. Let’s take a look at this now, before the spin gets out of control.
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1. The strong get stronger
If you noticed that the loudest voices for the change in the post season has been from the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12. Why? Well they see that there’s an opportunity to make more money. The big dogs in the sport are going to set up a selection committee to tip the scales to their advantage. You think the BCS is biased now? Don’t think these guys are dropping this system for something that is going to be more balanced.
2. Conference re-realignment
Point number 1 will only lead to more conference realignment. Schools are going to do their best to position themselves to have the best chance to make the Final Four. Conferences are going to stack their decks looking to pick off the best schools from other conferences. The Big East and ACC will be ripe for the picking. This isn’t a good thing for fans of these conferences.
3. The little guy need not apply
This one is obvious. There is no way in Hades that the BCS conference are going to set up a system which allows the next Boise State to infiltrate. The current system’s flaws were exposed over the last few years and the powers that be are well aware. Expect the new system to be designed to forbid any outside insurgent program to penetrate the parameters. If there isn’t already a caste system in place in college football, a new playoff system will fully implement it.
4. Ticket prices will get more expensive
The great thing about college football is that it is still relatively cheap compared to pro sports. Some tickets to individual games can be expensive, but overall it can be affordable. That is about to end. With conferences expanding, weak out of conference opponents are going to go bye-bye. It’s a great excuse for schools to raise ticket prices. So break out your wallets fans or just watch the game at home. Which brings up the next point.
5. Your cable bill will go up
With the Pac 12 adding several regional networks alongside the growing demand for college sports content across the board, cable providers will be looking to make some money. This is not something a college football playoff is going cause directly, but because of conference re-realignment the TV contracts are going to become astronomical. Guess who is going to have to pay? You will if you want to watch the games.
Before you go high five your buddies about a college football playoff, understand that there will be downsides. These are only five, there are clearly more. Swallowing the downsides is your choice, but it’s important to be aware of them. Now that I have thrown that wet blanket on top of you, enjoy your weekend!
Ari Russell
You do realize that nobody will ever be happy no matter what solution these BCS idiots come up with…its an unwinnable proposition no matter what. The cut offs at teams 3 and 4 will be far more difficult than the way its been, but at the same time this is progress towards a greater playoff picture, which hopefully opens up to 16 teams.