Conference realignment has often been a hot topic in college football, but it finally seems like things are beginning to settle down. While the realignment is settling down and everyone is preparing for the College Football Playoff, the idea lingers in the back of everyone’s mind of five power conferences who could break away from the NCAA.
Among the supports of that idea is Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban. Saban spoke with al.com to express his support of the five power conferences.
“I’m for five conferences – everybody playing everybody in those five conferences,” Saban said via AL.com . “That’s what I’m for, so it might be 70 teams, and everybody’s got to play ’em.”
That is an excellent idea.
If the five conferences would have 14 teams a piece, they could play a 13 game season within their respective conference. At the end of the “regular season,” the top two or four teams from each conference could come together for a playoff. This would allow a number of exciting match ups all season long and the thrilling playoff that college fans are hoping for.
A four-team playoff is an improvement, but it is going to leave a lot to be desired.
Another benefit from the power conferences is that it would eliminate any of the cupcake games from team’s schedules. Too often in college football there are teams who schedule FCS opponents and those who are clearly outmatched, which leads to unappealing games. By having the cream of the crop in a five conference schedule, we would get to see the top level match ups on a consistent basis.
This would be a win-win for all fans.
As for the SEC, Saban would approve of a ninth conference game in the meantime.
“Don’t they want to see good games and all that?” Saban said.
Much like the argument for five power conferences, the SEC would also benefit from adding conference games. They are without question the top conference in college football and the more that they play within the division the more entertaining it will be.
What do you think of the five power conferences and a ninth conference game for the SEC? Share your thoughts in the comments section and let us know if you think it is a good or bad idea.