Mike Francesa, Just Making Up Reasons to Not Have a 8-Team College Football Playoff
By Jason McIntyre
As we head into College Football’s Championship weekend – one devoid of drama – the obvious question lingers: When will the playoff expand to eight teams? Eight seems to make the most sense. It would permit the five conference champions to get in, as well as three at-large teams.
Expanding to eight would only help the sport. It wouldn’t hurt the regular season – more teams would have a shot at the playoff, so more teams “matter” and more games are relevant.
Take Notre Dame. It has two losses on the road by two points to teams ranked in the Top 8. Its season is over. Alabama has yet to play a team that is currently ranked in the Top 8.
Don’t try telling this to radio host Mike Francesa. In the video above, listen to him shout random, non-sensical comments to a caller about reasons an 8-team playoff won’t work:
* “they can’t play the games anywhere” [WHAT?]
* “No one will go to the other week of games, they’ve done studies on it” [FALSE]
* “You’ve got to travel the fans, it doesn’t work” [And if the higher seed hosts?]
* “Add the games, the games will do badly” [FALSE]
* “Three games work, more than three games, you will lose dramatically in income” [Say what?]
Someone ask Mike Francesa who isn’t going to these 1st round games, assuming the higher seed hosts and the favorites – Clemson, Michigan State, Alabama – win this weekend.
Florida State (8) at Clemson (1), 12 pm: The ACC wouldn’t love this rematch, but I’d give the Seminoles the nod here over 1-loss Iowa, and 2-loss UNC/TCU/Baylor. Given the proximity of the schools, the stadium would certainly be filled.
Notre Dame (7) at Alabama (2), 6 pm: The Irish haven’t traveled to ‘Bama since 1986. Given ND’s improved defense against the run and its spread offense, you don’t think this is closer than the 2013 BCS title game? Ratings victory.
Stanford (6) at Michigan State (3), 3 pm: Rematch of the great 2014 Rose Bowl, a nail baiter won by Michigan State. Two future NFL QBs. I doubt Stanford – or any Pac 12 school – would travel well, but want to host a playoff game? Don’t lose twice.
Ohio State (5) at Oklahoma (4), 9 pm: You could make an argument these are the two most talented teams in the playoff. Ratings would be through the roof. Urban Meyer vs. Bob Stoops, Baker Mayfield’s swag, can the Buckeyes repeat? Storylines galore.