We wanted a College Football Playoff so badly. The regular season is still more compelling

The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams has sparked debate about its impact on the regular season and the Playoff's perceived predictability. Critics initially suggested that expanding the Playoff might reduce the excitement of regular-season games, as more teams would likely qualify. However, the current season has shown an increase in regular-season excitement, with historically lesser-known programs like Indiana, Texas Tech, Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech vying for Playoff spots.

Indiana, notably, has risen to prominence, ranking as the second-best team according to ESPN’s SP+ metrics, surpassing traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. Despite the excitement surrounding these teams during the regular season, concerns remain that the Playoff might ultimately reinforce the dominance of perennial contenders such as Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama.

The regular season's unpredictability has been reminiscent of the chaotic 2007 season, but the Playoff format tends to eliminate underdog stories by crowning familiar champions. The narrative suggests that