This is what I'm thinking, too. Shifts probably will continue.I don’t think the big ten makes that requirement because the future is unknown
Once the playoff format is finalized they can do that and not have to break as many future contracts.
If leagues get X auto bids the big ten will very quickly move to more conference games.
For instance. If the big ten gets 6 auto bids in playoff that has no at large bids: the big ten may move to 11 conference games.
If the big ten gets 5 auto bids in a playoff with a few at larges: the big ten will move to 10 conference games.
If it stays as currently formatted, they probably won’t add conference games
VibesWhat’s the incentive to require it?
Perception is really all it does. It also makes for more comparable computer and ranking data. Creates more data points between P4 conferences. Teams that don't play 10 will likely be penalized.What’s the incentive to require it?
Probably not what the dude would want to hear, but every time I see McMurphy's picture I think of Matt Millen.I get distracted whenever I see a picture of Brett McMurphy.
My brain thinks this tweet is from Cliff Clavin from the TV show Cheers. Shave off the mustache Brett!
When Indiana sucked a non-conf schedule like this would have mostly gone unnoticed. Now that they are playing at a much higher level everyone sees it and it looks pathetic for a power 4 team to not play a single good non-conf team.I'm shocked, shocked, I tells ya, that Indiana is on that list.
North Texas, Howard, and WKU.
What’s the incentive to require it?
That's really the key point. The Big Ten made the difference between eight and nine conference games an issue in the playoff format discussions. The SEC went to nine conference games and mandated a tenth P4 game once they were satisfied that it would be a factor in selecting playoff teams. The incentive to follow suit, aside from trying to quiet some of the chirping from down south, will come if the playoff selections reflect reward for the more challenging schedules.Teams that don't play 10 will likely be penalized.
To get fans excited at Tier 2-3 schools, there has to be auto-bids to get in. Perception, tradition, and human elements have to be limited in the process.That's really the key point. The Big Ten made the difference between eight and nine conference games an issue in the playoff format discussions. The SEC went to nine conference games and mandated a tenth P4 game once they were satisfied that it would be a factor in selecting playoff teams. The incentive to follow suit, aside from trying to quiet some of the chirping from down south, will come if the playoff selections reflect reward for the more challenging schedules.
Really good job by the SEC to create this 2026 talking point in 2025 to try to boost their brand