Why College Football Playoff Committee HATES Big 12: BYU, Iowa State, Arizona State EMBARRASSED

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Does the Big 12 Get a Fair Shake From the College Football Playoff?

The College Football Playoff (CFP) system has sparked debates about fairness, particularly when comparing how the SEC and Big 12 are treated. While the SEC often garners significant respect and benefits from its reputation as the strongest football conference, the Big 12’s path to the CFP can feel like an uphill battle.

SEC's Perception of Dominance
The SEC’s reputation is built on consistent national championships, NFL-level talent, and powerhouse programs like Alabama and Georgia. CFP committee members often lean on these narratives when ranking teams, giving SEC teams the benefit of the doubt, even when their schedules include weaker non-conference opponents or mid-tier conference teams. The conference has also benefited from a media ecosystem that amplifies its success, ensuring that its teams stay top of mind throughout the season.

The Big 12’s Challenges
The Big 12 faces a tougher road. Despite its competitive depth, parity in the conference often hurts its teams in the eyes of the committee. Upsets are frequent, and no clear-cut dominant team regularly emerges. This parity, while exciting, sometimes leads to one-loss or even two-loss Big 12 champions being overlooked in favor of one-loss SEC runners-up. Additionally, the lack of traditional media narratives highlighting Big 12 accomplishments makes it harder for the conference to command the same respect nationally.

Financial Influence Matters
The SEC’s influence extends to financial considerations. With massive TV deals and high-profile matchups, the SEC’s games often draw higher ratings, which may subconsciously affect the committee’s decision-making. The Big 12, despite adding marquee programs like BYU, Utah, and Colorado, still struggles to match the SEC’s financial and cultural clout.

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