As college football keeps shifting, talk about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) system has really picked up. People are starting to wonder—would the University of Missouri (Mizzou) have made it into an expanded CFP in previous years?
Let’s dig into what that might’ve meant for Mizzou and the bigger college football world. The conversation is more than just theoretical; it’s about how the sport could look different.
Understanding the Expanded College Football Playoff
Right now, the College Football Playoff, which started in 2014, only lets four teams fight for the national championship. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth about bumping that number up—maybe to 12 or even 16 teams.
Supporters say a bigger playoff would open the door for more teams, pull in more revenue, and crank up the excitement for everyone watching. And honestly, who doesn’t want more high-stakes games in December?
Benefits of an Expanded Playoff
There are a few clear upsides if the playoff grows:
- Increased Opportunities: More teams would get a crack at the title, which could mean some wild upsets and fresh underdog stories.
- Enhanced Revenue: More games mean more TV deals, ticket sales, and merch flying off shelves—good news for schools and the NCAA alike.
- Greater Fan Engagement: With more teams in the hunt, fans would stay invested longer, and the season would matter for way more programs.
Would Mizzou Have Made an Expanded College Football Playoff?
So, what about Mizzou? It’s a fair question, and honestly, it’s pretty interesting to think about. Over the years, Mizzou has put together some strong seasons but just missed the top four cutoff.
Take 2007 and 2013, for example. Both years, they racked up impressive records but didn’t get a shot at the national title.
The 2007 Season
Back in 2007, Mizzou wrapped up the regular season at 11-2. They landed at No. 6 in the final BCS standings.
If the playoff had been bigger, Mizzou might’ve had a real shot at the championship. Who knows how things could’ve played out?
The 2013 Season
Fast-forward to 2013. Mizzou finished 12-2, ranked No. 5 in the BCS.
With an expanded playoff, they almost certainly would’ve made the cut. That could’ve changed everything for the program.
Implications for College Football
Expanding the playoff wouldn’t just affect Mizzou—it could shift the whole sport. Teams might start scheduling tougher non-conference games, trying to boost their playoff resumes.
And recruiting could get wild. More teams in the playoff mix means more chances to pitch recruits on a real shot at a title.
Impact on Scheduling
With extra playoff slots, teams could chase bigger non-conference matchups. That’d make the regular season a lot more interesting, at least in theory.
Recruiting Advantages
If more schools can realistically reach the playoffs, recruits might spread out a bit more. That could balance out the talent and make college football even more competitive.
Conclusion
People just can’t stop talking about an expanded College Football Playoff. It could really shake things up for the sport.
For teams like Mizzou, this kind of change might open doors that always seemed locked. It might even change the course of their football programs for years to come.
Honestly, no one knows exactly where this is headed. Fans and everyone involved are watching closely, waiting to see how college football will change next.
Curious about whether Mizzou would have made the cut in an expanded playoff? Check out the full article here.
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