College Football Playoff Format Under Scrutiny After Blowouts

The effectiveness of the College Football Playoff's expanded 12-team format is under scrutiny following significant blowouts in the first round. James Madison faced a crushing 51-34 defeat against Oregon, while Tulane was outmatched, losing 41-10 to Ole Miss, raising questions about the competitiveness of Group of Five teams against Power Four programs.

According to Cleveland.com, podcast host Stephen Means noted that the inclusion of Tulane and James Madison may have been more about the shortcomings of other conferences rather than their own merits, stating, 'I think only the best of that bunch will make the cut going forward.' Oregon's head coach Dan Lanning criticized the playoff structure, arguing for home field advantages for higher-seeded teams instead of neutral site games.

He expressed confusion over the playoff schedule, emphasizing the need for a consistent rhythm in preparation. Meanwhile, Deadspin highlighted that the remaining playoff teams, while strong, still have vulnerabilities, hinting at the potential for upsets in the quarterfinals.

This ongoing debate reflects concerns over inclusivity and competitiveness within college football, with analysts suggesting that the selection committee may adjust future entries to limit the number of G5 teams in the playoffs.