Tensions had been obvious this week as convention spring conferences unfolded with a key subject of dialog being the long run College Football Playoff format. An indirect back-and-forth emerged between league leaders, with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey saying he would not want “lectures from others about good of the sport” — a transparent shot at ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Massive 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who was requested for his response Friday.
“I agreed with Greg’s follow-up assertion that I would be entertained by it, and I used to be,” Yormark mentioned dryly in closing the Massive 12 spring conferences in Orlando. “All of us have thick pores and skin right here. However the neat factor about our relationship amongst the commissioners is we will battle. That is a part of life. We will conform to disagree. We’re form of in that mode proper now, however I’ve plenty of respect for my friends, and I do know they’ve plenty of respect for me and Jim, and we’ll find yourself in the best place.”
That may very well be the 5+11 format, which gained momentum this week following strong support from SEC and Big Ten coaches. Whereas the Massive Ten has backed a 4+4+2+2+1 mannequin — giving 4 automated qualifiers to itself and the SEC, two to the ACC and Massive 12, one to the highest-ranked champion from the so-called mid-majors, and three at-large bids — suggestions from coaches has shifted the dialog. The 5+11 format would grant automated berths to the 4 Energy 4 convention champions and the top-ranked mid-major champion, with the remaining 11 spots chosen by the Faculty Soccer Playoff committee.
Yormark reiterated his assist for the 5+11 mannequin and emphasised the significance of collaboration amongst conferences.
“Actually the general public is voting sure for it, which I feel is critically necessary, and it is an excellent signal,” Yormark mentioned. “And sure, the Massive Ten and the SEC are main the discussions, however with main these discussions, they’ve a fantastic accountability that goes with it — to do what’s proper for school soccer and to not do something that simply advantages two conferences. I’ve plenty of religion within the course of, and I feel we’ll finish in the best place.”
It might appear counterintuitive that Yormark and Massive 12 leaders are backing the 5+11 format — which ensures the league only one automated bid — as a substitute of a 4+4+2+2+1 mannequin that might lock in two spots. However for the convention, the precept of incomes postseason entry on the sphere outweighs securing additional ensures.
“The 5+11 may not be perfect for the convention, nevertheless it’s good for school soccer and it is what’s truthful,” Yormark mentioned. “And we do not need any gimmes. We wish to earn it on the sphere, and that was the path of the important thing stakeholder group — the ADs and the coaches — and I really feel very comfy with that. And I really feel the identical means, and I have been very outspoken about it.”
The deadline for CFP executives to achieve a call is Dec. 1.