Ohio State head coach Ryan Day recently addressed the controversy surrounding the idea of conference champions receiving automatic byes in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams for the 2024 season, the issue of how the field will be structured has sparked considerable debate. One of the focal points is whether conference champions should automatically be awarded a bye into the second round, a proposal that has stirred mixed opinions.
Day, who is familiar with both the intensity of conference championships and the demands of the national playoff system, weighed in on the potential implications of this move.
He emphasized that while winning a conference title is a significant achievement, it might not always be a true reflection of a team’s overall standing or readiness for the playoff. Day acknowledged the importance of conference championships in determining the best teams, but he argued that other factors, such as strength of schedule and the quality of competition, also need to be considered when determining which teams are most deserving of a bye.
He pointed out that the expanded 12-team playoff system is designed to ensure that the most deserving teams, regardless of conference affiliation, have a chance to compete for the national title.
While conference championships will still play a role in determining playoff eligibility, Day expressed that the structure should reward a team’s entire body of work throughout the season. This would ensure that the best teams, not just the conference champions, are positioned for success in the playoff.
Day also addressed concerns about potential imbalances in the system, especially in conferences where the competition may not be as fierce. For instance, in some years, a team from a Power Five conference may have a significantly weaker schedule compared to another team from a different conference.
He emphasized the need for the playoff committee to take a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a team’s performance, not just their conference title.
In sum, Ryan Day believes that the discussion around automatic byes for conference champions should be rooted in fairness and the recognition of the full scope of a team’s season.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, he supports a system that ensures the best teams, regardless of their conference affiliation, are given a fair shot at the national title.
