College football is on the brink of another significant change as the playoff expands. The 12-team playoff is set to grow, and it's crucial to understand the implications.

Unraveling the Future of College Football's Playoff

The Path to Expansion

We all know that the 12-team playoff is on its way to becoming larger, perhaps reaching 14 or 16 schools in the near future. This isn't a new phenomenon; it has happened before. Before 2000, multiple national champions were accepted. The two-team BCS led to the four-team CFP, and now we have our current 12-team version. Expansion makes sense as it increases interest and revenue. More playoff schools mean more broadcast, ticket, and donor revenue. But is more always better?There is a point where too much can be overwhelming. Twelve teams seem to be the perfect number for the playoff, and with a simple tweak, it could be even better. The glorious and ridiculous nature of this sport often leads to unexpected changes. With the expansion to 12 teams, the distribution of talent has shifted, strengthening some teams and bolstering the hopes of others.

Evaluating the Playoff System

A playoff system can be judged by who it lets in and who it leaves out. The BCS had its limitations in 2004 when an undefeated Auburn was blocked. UCF went undefeated in 2017 but wasn't considered. The 12-team format eliminates such flaws. If you go undefeated at the FBS level and play a competitive schedule, you're in. Losses can have different impacts, but the pathway to a national title is there for those with a perfect season.At the lower end of the rankings, the playoff format should admit teams with a chance of winning. Miami, Ole Miss, and South Carolina fans know this firsthand. There is a perfect balance between opportunity and penalty. College football is more than just what happens on the field. The inherent uncertainty adds to its charm.

The Benefits of a 12-Team Playoff

Another benefit of the 12-team playoff is the opening-round bye. Schools that win their conference championships deserve an extra week off. It's a tangible reward for a successful season. In the case of Clemson, it shows the fairness of the system.Here's the tweak to the existing CFP system. Teams that win their conference championships should get a home game in the quarterfinals. It makes sense to have opponents visit in a college football environment rather than in an NFL stadium. College football was born in challenging conditions, and a December game in a traditional venue is unique.Alas, once the powers that be see the money the playoff brings in, they'll likely expand it, robbing the regular season of more drama. So, let's enjoy the tension in this 12-team playoff while it lasts. Miami, Ole Miss, and South Carolina fans, your time will come.