Missouri Coach Questions Conference Relevance in 24-Team Playoff Era
Eli Drinkwitz and others question the role of conferences as playoff expands to 24 teams.
2 min read
With the NCAA’s 24-team playoff now in effect, some college football coaches are rethinking the role of conference affiliations. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz raised these concerns during a Tuesday press conference, questioning the necessity of conference ties in an era where the focus is on a broader national playoff bracket.
Conference Ties Under Scrutiny
Drinkwitz asked, “Why are we associated with conferences anymore if we’re not playing for a conference championship? If the point now is just to be playing into a sea of 24, are we just doing it for scheduling affiliation?” His comments reflect growing doubts among coaches about the value of conference memberships in a system that no longer guarantees a playoff berth through conference dominance.
Other Coaches Share Concerns
Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert echoed similar sentiments, noting, “It can benefit a team like us; it can hurt a team like us.” Dickert expressed frustration over the elimination of conference championship games, calling it an “odd” situation. He added, “The new playoff format, I think, forces everybody’s hands into this. I don’t like it, personally.”
Benefits of Conference Affiliation
Previously, conference membership provided clear advantages, including automatic playoff bids for conference champions and exposure to top-tier competition. Teams in the Power 4 (SEC, Big 10, ACC, and Big 12) often played against elite opponents, ensuring a strong strength of schedule. However, with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, these benefits have become less pronounced.
Notre Dame’s Advantage
Notre Dame, which does not belong to a conference, has gained unique advantages under the new system. The team is eligible for a bye and home field advantage if it finishes in the top four, highlighting the potential for non-conference teams to benefit from the playoff restructure.
Travel and Cost Concerns
Drinkwitz also questioned the financial and logistical implications of traveling across the country for games. With teams from the ACC, Big 12, and Big 10 spread across both coasts, the cost of travel has become a significant concern. Coaches are now considering whether it’s more practical to schedule games locally with competitive opponents to save costs and reduce travel burdens.
Broader Implications
These questions are part of a larger conversation about the future of college football and the role of conferences in the sport. As the playoff system continues to evolve, coaches and administrators are re-evaluating the value of conference ties and the impact of the new format on team strategies and scheduling.
Source: Breitbart
