December 19, 2024

Miles Kitselman Talks About the Format of the 12-Team College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has long been a subject of discussion and debate among fans, players, and analysts alike. For years, college football fans have been clamoring for a system that would allow more teams to compete for the national championship, rather than the exclusive four-team tournament that has been in place since the 2014 season. With the announcement of a new 12-team format set to debut in 2024, one figure who has been particularly vocal about the changes is Miles Kitselman, a college football analyst and commentator. Kitselman’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of college football playoffs, as well as the implications of a 12-team format for the sport.

The Background of the 12-Team Playoff Format

Before diving into Kitselman’s views, it’s important to understand the structure of the new 12-team playoff format. Starting in 2024, the College Football Playoff will expand from its current four-team format to a 12-team format. This expansion was decided after years of consideration and discussions about how to improve the fairness, inclusivity, and excitement of the postseason.

Under the new structure, the six highest-ranked conference champions will earn automatic bids, while the next six highest-ranked teams will secure at-large spots. The top four teams will receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs, meaning they will automatically advance to the quarterfinals. The first round, which will be held at the home stadiums of the higher-seeded teams, will feature the five highest-seeded at-large teams and the conference champions ranked 5th through 12th. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and national championship will take place at neutral-site locations, similar to the current CFP structure.

Miles Kitselman’s Take on the 12-Team Format

Miles Kitselman, known for his deep knowledge of college football and his ability to break down complex topics, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming changes to the playoff system. Kitselman is an advocate for the expansion, recognizing that it provides an opportunity for more teams to compete for the national title, which he believes is essential for the sport’s growth.

1. Increased Opportunities for Teams and Players

Kitselman is particularly excited about the increased number of teams in the playoff. In his view, the 12-team format allows for more teams from across the country to compete for the national championship, which in turn creates more opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents on the national stage. He believes that this format will bring excitement to more conferences, especially those outside the power five, such as the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA, and others that often feel left out of the CFP conversation.

“College football is a diverse sport, and it’s important that we recognize that diversity by giving more teams a chance to compete for a national title,” Kitselman said in a recent interview. “This isn’t just about the traditional powers anymore. It’s about giving smaller schools and mid-tier programs a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage.”

Kitselman also pointed out that the expanded playoff could reduce the perception that certain teams are left out of the conversation due to their conference affiliation or strength of schedule. With a broader field, the playoffs will be more inclusive and reflect the true talent across the nation.

2. The Importance of the Regular Season

One concern that some critics have about the 12-team format is that it may devalue the regular season. Under the current four-team system, every game has added weight because only a limited number of teams have a chance to make the playoffs. However, Kitselman sees this expansion as an opportunity to enhance the regular season rather than diminish its importance.

“The regular season will still matter, maybe even more than it ever has before,” Kitselman explained. “With only four teams in the current format, if you lose a game, it can be a death sentence for your playoff hopes. With 12 teams, you’ll see teams that lose one or two games still have a shot at making the playoffs, but the teams that perform well in the regular season will still have the upper hand with better seeding.”

Kitselman believes that teams will still need to perform at a high level to secure a top-four seed and the all-important first-round bye. While the expanded field will allow for more margin for error, it also means that there will be additional motivation for teams to keep winning throughout the season. More teams will also be incentivized to play tough schedules, knowing that quality wins will be crucial for seeding.

3. The Impact on Conference Championships

Another interesting aspect of the 12-team format is how it might affect conference championships. In the current CFP system, winning a conference title doesn’t always guarantee a spot in the playoff. Under the new format, winning a conference championship could secure an automatic berth, but it is not a guarantee of a top seed.

Kitselman sees this dynamic as a double-edged sword. On one hand, the expansion of automatic bids will increase the importance of conference championships, potentially elevating the level of competition in conferences like the Big 12, Pac-12, and others that often do not get the same attention as the SEC or Big Ten. On the other hand, he acknowledges that some conference champions might be ranked lower than some at-large teams, which could lead to difficult discussions about the value of winning a conference.

“We’re going to see a lot more debate about who deserves a high seed and who should get into the playoffs,” Kitselman said. “It’s going to add some drama to the conversation, but it will also make the postseason more exciting for fans.”

4. The Financial Implications and Fan Experience

Kitselman also emphasized the financial benefits of the expanded playoff. With more teams, more games, and more venues, the postseason will generate significant revenue, which could be reinvested in college football programs across the country. The increased number of games will also provide fans with more opportunities to watch high-stakes football in late December and early January.

In terms of fan experience, Kitselman believes the first round of the playoffs being held at home stadiums will be a major draw. “The opportunity for teams to host playoff games in front of their own fans will create an electric atmosphere,” he said. “It’ll be a completely different vibe compared to the neutral-site games of the past.”

 

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