Over the offseason, the College Football Playoff Committee adopted a new 12-team playoff adjusting the old format, which only allowed the four highest ranked teams to compete in two semifinal games. However, the new structure allows eight additional teams to have a chance at
winning the national championship.
Also, the way teams are selected is slightly more unusual than previous years because of the addition of teams in the playoffs. A greater number of teams get an opportunity for a shot at a chance for postseason play. This is because teams are allowed to lose more than one game and still make the College Football Playoff.
According to the CFPC, the four highest ranked conference champions receive automatic selections to the playoffs each with a first round bye. Then, the following eight highest ranked teams will fill out the 12-team playoff list.
This new addition to college football is beneficial because it provides teams with a higher chance of making the playoffs. However, the decision raises some concerns. The new format allows the top four teams are given more time to prepare for a national championship game than the other teams that have to play in the quarterfinals. Also, a team from a small conference might take up a spot that could be filled by a better team.
According to the NCAA, the games will first start off with the higher seeded teams hosting the lower seeded teams in the first round, followed by the New Year’s Six bowls being hosted in the quarterfinal rounds. After, the semifinal round will be played in a bowl on a rotating basis while the National Championship site will be determined by bids from potential hosts.
Despite the new playoff rule, the New Year’s Six bowl games will continue to be played similarly to previous years, and the semifinals are still being hosted at neutral sites.
On the other hand, a benefit of this change is the higher seeded teams will be able to host the first-round games, giving them a home field advantage. However, the lower seeded teams are at a disadvantage for the first round because they are playing in an opposing teams stadium with roaring crows and an unfamiliar environment.
However, if they win, they will play the second round at a neutral site. Given the home field advantage, students attending colleges with higher ranked teams will have easier access to College Football Playoff games, resulting in better camaraderie in the college atmosphere.
Overall, the new format will increase the amount of viewership of college football causing fans to want to attend games.
