The High Stakes of College Football Playoff Selection
As the clock ticks down to the College Football Playoff selection Sunday, the tension is palpable. Coaches, players, fans, and even conference commissioners are fervently making their cases for their teams to secure a spot in the highly coveted 12-team playoff. This year, the Big 12 Conference stands at the center of contention, with No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders and No. 11 BYU Cougars vying for a place in the finals.
Texas Tech: A Lock for the Playoffs
Texas Tech Red Raiders, currently ranked No. 5, is a team that commands confidence and respect. Their strong record and consistent performance have positioned them as a near-lock for the playoff. The Red Raiders have navigated their schedule with finesse, accumulating a formidable resume that speaks for itself. For Texas Tech, the focus is less on making the playoff and more on securing a favorable seed. Their prowess and consistency have earned them a seat at the table, and it seems only a matter of where they will sit.
BYU: The Underdog in the Race
On the other hand, BYU finds itself in a precarious position, teetering on the edge of the playoff cut line. With a strong 11-1 record and a single conference loss, the Cougars have a compelling case for inclusion. However, they face the daunting challenge of being overlooked due to the dominance of traditional powerhouses. Provo, Utah, is abuzz with a mix of hope and anxiety as the team prepares for their final chance to secure a spot in the playoffs. A win in the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech could be the decisive factor that propels them into the field.
The Big 12 Championship: A Crucial Battle
The stakes are high for both teams as they prepare to face off in the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. For Texas Tech, a victory would solidify their position in the playoff and potentially improve their seeding. For BYU, a win is not just a matter of pride but a necessity for their playoff aspirations. The game, scheduled for Noon ET on ABC, promises to be a thrilling showdown that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Big 12 conference and the playoffs.
Yormark’s Plea for Fairness
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has been a vocal advocate for his conference, emphasizing the importance of evaluating teams based on their merit rather than their historical reputation. “Let’s not look at logos. Let’s look at résumés,” Yormark urged. He pointed out that BYU’s record, strength of schedule, and overall performance are on par with, if not better than, teams from more established conferences. Yormark’s stance reflects a broader shift in college football, where the landscape is increasingly defined by the ability to recruit and pay top talent, rather than relying on a storied past.
The Future of the Big 12
2025 could be a pivotal year for the Big 12 conference. The expansion of the playoffs, the advent of Name, Image, and Likelihood (NIL) rights, and the transfer portal have fundamentally altered the dynamics of college football. These changes are leveling the playing field, making it possible for teams from smaller conferences to compete on an even keel. However, old biases persist, particularly favoring the SEC and Big Ten. Yormark is confident that the Big 12 has the depth and quality to compete, and he expects the selection committee to recognize this in the coming years.
A Call to Action
As the Big 12 championship game approaches, the rhetoric surrounding the playoff selection intensifies. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire has echoed Yormark’s sentiments, highlighting the discrepancy between the numbers and the perceived value of certain teams. “When you look at the numbers, we have better numbers than teams that they’re putting up there,” McGuire emphasized. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the selection committee will prioritize a fair and merit-based approach, or if the old guard will maintain its grip on the playoff field.
