Tensions were apparent this week as conference spring meetings unfolded with a key topic of conversation being the future College Football Playoff format.
An indirect back-and-forth emerged between league leaders, with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey saying he doesn’t need “lectures from others about good of the game” — a clear shot at ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who was asked for his response Friday.
“I agreed with Greg’s follow-up statement that I’d be entertained by it, and I was,” Yormark said dryly in closing the Big 12 spring meetings in Orlando.
That could be the 5+11 format, which gained momentum this week following strong support from SEC and Big Ten coaches.
“The 5+11 might not be ideal for the conference, but it’s good for college football and it’s what’s fair,” Yormark said.
As conference spring meetings took place this week, tensions were evident, with the future structure of the College Football Playoffs being a major topic of discussion. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said he doesn’t need “lectures from others about good of the game” in an indirect back-and-forth between league leaders. This was a direct jab at ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who was questioned about it on Friday.
“I was amused by it, and I agreed with Greg’s follow-up statement,” Yormark said sardonically as he concluded the Big 12 spring meetings in Orlando. Here, we all have thick skins. The interesting thing about our relationship as commissioners, however, is that we will fight. That’s a reality. We’re going to accept our differences. I have a lot of respect for my peers, and I know they have a lot of respect for Jim and me, so even though we’re in that mode right now, we’ll get to the right place. “,”.
It might be the 5+11 format, which gained popularity this week after receiving a lot of support from Big Ten and SEC coaches. The Big Ten has supported a 4+4+2+2+1 model, which gives the SEC and itself four automatic qualifiers, the ACC and Big 12 two, the top-ranked champion from the so-called mid-majors one, and three at-large bids. However, coach feedback has changed the discussion. Under the 5+11 format, the top-ranked mid-major champion and the four Power Four conference winners would automatically qualify, with the College Football Playoff committee choosing the other 11 spots.
Yormark reaffirmed his backing for the 5+11 model and underlined how crucial conference cooperation is.
It’s a very positive sign, Yormark said, “and the public is definitely voting yes for it, which I think is critically important.”. “Yes, the Big Ten and SEC are driving the conversations, but that comes with a lot of responsibility: they have to act in a way that is best for college football and not just for the two conferences. I believe that the process will lead us to the correct conclusion. “..”.
The 5+11 format, which ensures the league only receives one automatic bid, is being supported by Yormark and Big 12 leaders in contrast to a 4+4+2+2+1 model that would secure two spots. This may seem counterintuitive. However, for the conference, the idea of gaining postseason access on the field is more important than obtaining additional guarantees.
Yormark stated that while the 5+11 might not be the best for the conference, it’s fair and beneficial for college football. Additionally, we’re against gimmes. I am completely at ease with the key stakeholder group’s (the coaches and ADs) directive that we want to earn it on the field. Furthermore, I have been quite vocal about how I feel. “..”.
The CFP executives have until December to make a decision. 1. .
