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
Northwestern state already penciled in10 power games should be mandated across the board. It's better for the fans, better for the sport, better for the players (iron sharpens iron).
We have Mississippi St and Cal locked in thru 2029 which is great. Then a 2 year gap until the Bama series (which might end up getting canceled, but that's a story for another day).
Need to find a quality home & home for 2030-2031 for sure.
Better TV deals.What’s the incentive to require it?
If they thought it was advantageous for playoff berths then everyone would do it on their own. Seemed to work okay for Indiana.Better TV deals.
Increase strength of schedule for playoff berths/seeding.
Not looking like a bunch of 'fraidy cats, especially Nebraska, Indiana & Penn St.
Washington I will cut some slack because they at least play Washington St, who was P5 but were shunned.
It worked once, but to me that's not necessarily a trend. It likely impacted their seeding too, thus they got bounced early.If they thought it was advantageous for playoff berths then everyone would do it on their own. Seemed to work okay for Indiana.
Why will it be canceled? Due to the SEC moving to nine conference games?10 power games should be mandated across the board. It's better for the fans, better for the sport, better for the players (iron sharpens iron).
We have Mississippi St and Cal locked in thru 2029 which is great. Then a 2 year gap until the Bama series (which might end up getting canceled, but that's a story for another day).
Need to find a quality home & home for 2030-2031 for sure.
That's just my theory...yesWhy will it be canceled? Due to the SEC moving to nine conference games?
Why will it be canceled? Due to the SEC moving to nine conference games?
The same years that we are on Alabama's schedule they play Arizona. In '32 they are at Minnesota and host Arizona and the next year it flips. The thought is that they won't want two P4 non-conference games in addition to those nine SEC games, but who knows?That's just my theory...yes
Bama recently canceled their series with West Virginia once the 9 game news came out
Arizona will be in the Mountain West by then and Minnesota and Bama will both be in the new Super League of College Football brought to you by Dr. Pepper.The same years that we are on Alabama's schedule they play Arizona. In '32 they are at Minnesota and host Arizona and the next year it flips. The thought is that they won't want two P4 non-conference games in addition to those nine SEC games, but who knows?