Con: Wear and tear
Every week we see hundreds of injuries across college football. The rate of injury only increases as the season progresses due to the wear and tear on the players and the increased stakes. It’s a certainty that whatever two Big 12 teams entered the game wouldn’t leave without at least some beat up players.
More likely, there would be some significant injuries during the game as well. That’s going to mean weaker lineups for those teams entering Bowl play or the Playoff. This is a clear downside to adding an extra game to the end of the schedule.
Some may write that off as the cost of doing business, but you can’t forget we are talking about actual people here. They are putting their bodies and physical well-being on the line every time they step out their on the field to represent their school. Adding an extra high-stakes game to the schedule can’t be a decision that’s entered into with no consideration of student-athlete’s well-being.
Just imagine if Oklahoma had won the Big 12 Championship Game this season but it cost them Baker Mayfield. They would have been woefully under prepared to take on Clemson in the Playoff. You just can’t write off the chances of a significant injury robbing a Big 12 team of their best chance to compete for a national championship.
Yes, other conferences take this risk. But let’s not forget that the Big 12 is the one here now with the choice to avoid a catastrophe.
Next: Pro: Exposure