The current structure of the College Football Playoff has been questioned by numerous CFB insiders, analysts, and fans. The increased scrutiny is the result of dominant, one-sided victories from higher seeds during the first round of the CFP.
Though the quarterfinals promise more competitive matches, fans have seen enough to wonder whether a better format could be put into effect.
Urban Meyer Declares That College Football Playoff Is ‘Forever Changed’
College football head coaches, both current and retired, have also voiced their dissatisfaction with the College Football Playoff format, with Nick Saban, Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin, and Urban Meyer being some of the loudest critics.
Kiffin recently called out the CFP Committee for including certain teams in the playoff — notably SMU and Indiana. Now, former Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes HC Meyer has shared his own criticism of the current format.
Meyer made public comments criticizing the current and past CFP formats, highlighting their negative impact. However, his take was light and more objective than that of other critics and lacked a personal edge, focusing on the lopsided outcome of the first round.
On Monday, Meyer appeared on “The Triple Option” podcast and shared his thoughts on the matter.
“The #CFBPlayoff is forever changed now.” @CoachUrbanMeyer breaks down a blowout-ridden weekend slate in CFB pic.twitter.com/nIOexOAmid
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) December 23, 2024
“The College Football Playoff, I think, is forever changed now,” Meyer said. “And that means that if you don’t play anyone, you’re not gonna get in … If you don’t beat a ranked team or I think the public spoke, I kinda paid attention the best I could, and I think that you’ll take a team that plays a rugged schedule over a team that just doesn’t play anyone …”
Meyer further explained that it made more sense for a team with a tough schedule and three losses to be given priority over a one or two-loss team that played weaker competition. He then closed his take with a direct critique of the current and former CFP formats.
“You know what’s amazing? The BCS was a flawed system. The College Football Playoff four-team was a flawed system, and here we are a 12-team; it’s a flawed system somehow, but it’s great for the fans, to a point the games were great … Some of the games were awful.”
Meyer Shares Opinion on Most Impactful Team in First Round
When addressing a question on what team made the biggest statement in the first round of the CFP, Meyer replied with absolute certainty.
“Not even close,” Meyer began. “Ohio State. If you’re just a bystander or you’re just, you know, really, you’re an analyst watching, it’s not close. If they play like that, they’re the best. That’s the talent they have on that roster.”
The Buckeyes faced Tennessee at Ohio Stadium for the final game of the first round, winning dominantly, 42-17.
As Meyer mentioned, Ohio State’s roster is replete with talent. This offseason, the Buckeyes added valuable players from the transfer portal, including former Alabama safety Caleb Downs, former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard.
Ohio State’s next game will be against the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks, a matchup that will allow the Buckeyes to avenge their loss to Oregon during the regular season. Both sides will face off at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day 2025.
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