We are about a third of the way through the college football season. With so many new dynamics this year it brings interest to an already fun and exciting sport. Let’s take a look at three of the biggest changes in college football and how it’s affecting the game.
The new SEC and Big Ten are very enticing
When Oklahoma and Texas moved to the SEC it made the best conference in the country even stronger. Currently, five of the top six teams in the AP Poll are in the SEC.
Texas is picking up right where they left off from last year dominating everybody that they have played. This includes a win against Michigan that looks even better after Michigan defeated USC.
Georgia is still Georgia, but it seems like every year they struggle against somebody that they shouldn’t and barely win. A 13-12 win against Kentucky doesn’t spell national title contender but they are still a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Alabama is doing fine so far under Kalen DeBoer. Ole Miss and Tennessee are still borderline elite teams despite maybe being 4th and 5th in their conference. Georgia playing Alabama on Saturday only ramps up the excitement in the conference.
The Big Ten feels really different with Oregon and USC being in the conference. We already saw USC and Michigan play in a really fun matchup that delivered exciting moments. Other games this season like Penn St at USC and Ohio St at Oregon are games we are rarely used to seeing that are now going to be common.
Oregon struggled the first couple games, but they are still undefeated and have time to get right before big matchups with Ohio St and Michigan. Penn St hasn’t really played anyone good yet. Bowling Green and West Virginia are okay victories, but I think after the Illinois game this week we will learn more about who Penn St is.
The transfer portal ruins part of what makes the sport special
It used to be that players would commit to a school right out of high school, and they would stay there for their entire college career. Teams wouldn’t rely on NIL money to acquire players in the offseason and overhaul their roster.
What is happening with Florida St. right now is ridiculous. Many college football experts like Nick Saban thought Florida St would be really good based off taking a look at their roster. They are 1-3 after being ranked in the top 10 to start the year. College football teams are special when there is unity among the team. With NIL, it distorts the traditional model, and certain teams don’t even feel like college teams and more like minor league pro teams.
The 12-team playoff is a good thing
The sport is so much more exciting with so many more teams now having a chance at a playoff spot.
Penn St fans can feel good that they don’t have to win some tough game against Ohio St or Michigan to have a chance. Other teams like Michigan or Oklahoma are still firmly in the mix despite losses that would have severely hurt their chances in the old playoff model.
Not only do I think the playoff itself will be more exciting, but there will be many more meaningful games in November that we are not used to having. There is some good and bad with the change happening in college football, it is still one of the coolest and unique sports in the world and look for the excitement to ramp up as the season goes on.
