A Coach's Simple Prescription
Brent Venables, the head coach at Oklahoma, has repeatedly told reporters that the path to the College Football Playoff is straightforward: teams must win their games. He argues that no matter how the selection committee reshapes the bracket, the fundamental requirement stays the same — on‑field success.
The Expanding Playoff Debate
Conferences such as the Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 are actively lobbying for a 24‑team format, a move that would guarantee more spots and increase revenue streams. While SEC coaches have voiced support for a larger bracket, league commissioner Greg Sankey cautions that expansion must be handled carefully. The discussion reflects a broader shift toward more postseason access, but it also raises questions about the value of the regular season.
Schedule Strength and Overlooked Teams
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian recently defended his three‑loss Longhorns, insisting that a strong schedule should count in their favor. His comments echo concerns raised by Vanderbilt’s 10‑win campaign, which many felt deserved a playoff spot despite the team’s perceived schedule weaknesses.
Critics warn that adding more playoff teams could dilute the urgency of each regular‑season game, turning matchups into mere stepping stones toward a guaranteed postseason berth. Yet power brokers in college football continue to push for more television windows and revenue opportunities, suggesting that expansion is inevitable.
The Bottom Line
The consensus among coaches and analysts is that while the architecture of the playoff may evolve, the only reliable route to a championship remains dominant performance on the field.