Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami will compete in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, following the conclusion of the first round. The decisive victories by Alabama and Oregon, however, have reignited the debate over whether schools from the Group of Five conferences deserve a place in the expanded playoff format.
CFP Expansion Debate Heats Up After One-Sided Wins
Table of Contents
The dominant performances in the first round have sparked renewed discussion about the inclusion of Group of Five teams in the College Football Playoff.
- The first round of the CFP saw wins for Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami.
- Lopsided victories over Tulane and James Madison have fueled the debate about Group of Five inclusion.
- The Michigan coaching search is ongoing, with several candidates emerging and then fading from consideration.
- Alabama’s comeback win over Oklahoma has raised questions about Kalen DeBoer’s future.
The question of whether the College Football Playoff should include teams from the Group of Five conferences is once again at the forefront of college football discussion. The recent playoff matchups saw significant disparities in competitive balance, particularly in the games featuring Tulane and James Madison, prompting analysts to re-examine the fairness of the current system.
Alabama’s Comeback and Coaching Carousel
Alabama secured a victory over Oklahoma, overcoming an early deficit in a performance markedly different from their SEC Championship game showing. The win also casts a spotlight on the future of head coach Kalen DeBoer, who was previously linked to the open Michigan position. Speculation swirled before the game about DeBoer potentially leaving for Michigan or even facing dismissal had Alabama lost.
Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer after CFP win vs. Oklahoma (Photo by Chad Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Michigan’s Coaching Search Takes Unexpected Turns
Meanwhile, the search for a new head coach at Michigan has taken several unexpected turns. DeBoer’s continued participation in the CFP has seemingly removed him from consideration, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham has signed an extension with the Sun Devils, effectively ending his candidacy. Biff Poggi currently serves as the interim head coach, but speculation persists about potential long-term options, including a coach with the last name Harbaugh and a recently departed coach from Utah.
What changes should be made to the College Football Playoff? The format is under scrutiny, with analysts debating potential adjustments to ensure greater competitive balance and representation from all conferences.
0:00:00 – Recap of the CFP First Round
8:38 – Changes the CFP should make
32:38 – Alabama comes back to beat Oklahoma
46:29 – Update on Michigan’s coaching search
