Ryan Day Says 24-Team CFP Could Raise Ohio State-Michigan Stakes by Ending Big Ten Final
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 19
Ryan Day Says 24-Team CFP Could Raise Ohio State-Michigan Stakes by Ending Big Ten Final
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 19
Ryan Day said a 24-team College Football Playoff and the likely elimination of the Big Ten championship game would make Ohio State-Michigan even more consequential for playoff entry, seeding and first-round byes.
The rivalry has not directly decided the Big Ten regular-season title since 2007, and neither team has won the league crown after The Game since the conference added a title game in 2011.
A 24-team format would likely force conferences to drop championship games so the postseason can begin in early December; the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC back expansion from the current 12 teams, while the SEC remains undecided.
Day, though lukewarm on whether expansion helps Ohio State itself, said it would benefit the conference and college football fans, with first- and second-round games on campuses.
He also said the playoff should start in the first week of December and finish by early January, arguing a later end would disrupt roster building and freshman arrivals.
Will a 24-team playoff make rivalry games more crucial, or just a seeding preview for teams that both get in anyway?
With fans rejecting a larger playoff, is expansion about improving the sport or just maximizing television revenue?