Without hesitation, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore believes in the strength of his Big Ten conference, and according to On3.com writer Pete Nakos, the noise coming from Ann Arbor resonates.
Moore Wants Increased Big Ten Presence in CFP
The UM coach believes that the Big Ten Conference deserves automatic bids into the College Football Playoff. The following quote elucidates his belief.
“I would say we have the best conference in football. With us winning the national title in 2023 and Ohio winning in 2024, and as competitive as all the bowl games were, the Big Ten is back on top as the best conference in football,” Moore said.
NEW: Michigan’s Sherrone Moore supports Big Ten auto qualifiers in the CFP, he tells @PeteNakos_⬇️
“I would say we have the best conference in football. With us winning the national title in 2023 and Ohio winning in 2024, and as competitive as all the bowl games were, the Big… pic.twitter.com/lBor2JAfwZ
— On3 (@On3sports) February 28, 2025
While you cannot fight the thought from a factual aspect, does Moore’s assertions hold water?
If you look at the numbers and statistics, the coach’s idea does not seem that far-fetched. Of the three conferences that touch both oceans (Big 10, ACC, and Coast-to-Coast from Division III), the Big Ten actually connects the flyover states with Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, and Northwestern. Those four schools connect the country and millions of people.
Moreover, nine of the 25 largest media markets possess schools in the Big Ten. Plus, the television deal averages out to $71.8 million per school, $3 million more than the SEC.
Lastly, universities’ attendance translates to eyes on the product. Fourteen schools in the conference currently enroll at least 40,000 students.
Is Moore Right About the Big Ten vs. the SEC?
From the outside, the ability to pick Moore’s declaration apart looks easy. Of the eleven playoffs in the CFP, SEC schools claim six national titles. On the other hand, the Big Ten will bring just three to the table.
Looking at the football landscape, the Big Ten looks like a four-team conference with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon. In contrast, the SEC overshadows that number with Georgia, Texas, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Circling back to television, six of the most-watched 2024 games were SEC contests. As a result, the advertising revenue falls solely into SEC territory. The SEC tagline of ” It Just Means More” actually applies to the astronomical ratings.
If Moore and the Big Ten get their way and automatic bids start, the SEC will want the same treatment. If that happens, what happens to the ACC, Big 12, and Group of 5 schools?
The Big 12 would suffer most from flooding the playoffs with teams from two conferences. Their brand of fun football needs a national stage.
No one knows what the ACC will look like after all of its legal entanglements if the courts eventually rule for Clemson/Florida State, other schools will leave. At the same time, the Group of Five produces quality football without much national attention.
A Big Ten/SEC takeover of the playoff will eventually drive G5 schools away from the playoff because the room does not exist.
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After a successful recruiting season, Moore puffed out his chest and wanted to brag about his conference. While he makes excellent points, his approach will lead to an issue.
In a 16-team playoff scenario, giving five Big Ten teams a bid means the SEC teams will ask for the same. So far, that’s ten teams. Notre Dame will get an automatic bid, making the auto bid number climbs to eleven.
Does this mean, the Big 12/ACC rotate bids? One year, the ACC claims three and the Big 12 enter just two programs, alternating every year? Either way, Moore’s plan will wipe smaller conferences off the playoff map.
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