Modern college football gets a lot wrong, but it got the 12-team CFP right

Tim Cowlishaw, a SportsDay columnist known for his traditional views, has expressed support for an expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) format. Initially a proponent of a two-team playoff, Cowlishaw now endorses a 12-team format and is open to a 16-team expansion. This shift in opinion comes amid broader changes in college athletics, including the influence of the transfer portal and increased financial incentives for players.

Recent results in the CFP have demonstrated increased competitiveness, with lower-seeded teams winning five of the eight games leading into the quarterfinals. Notably, Miami defeated Ohio State and Texas A&M, while Indiana emerged as a strong contender. These outcomes highlight a more level playing field, attributed to the transfer portal allowing teams to bolster their rosters effectively.

The proposed 16-team playoff format would involve starting the season at "zero week," holding conference title games during Thanksgiving week, and concluding with the national championship on January 1. This schedule would require adjustments