
In the evolving landscape of college football, Penn State head coach James Franklin has reignited discussions about the sport’s structural inconsistencies.
Ahead of Penn State’s College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal against Notre Dame, Franklin advocated for uniformity, emphasizing that “everybody should be in a conference.”
Franklin’s remarks highlight disparities in scheduling and postseason qualifications. The Big Ten and Big 12 each play nine conference games, while the SEC and ACC play eight, and the Mountain West has a seven-game league slate. Notre Dame remains independent in football, complicating comparisons and playoff selections.
Franklin stated, “I think everybody should play a conference championship game or no one should play a conference championship game. I think everybody should play the same number of conference games.” He argues that uniformity would simplify the CFP selection process, allowing for fairer comparisons among teams.
Notre Dame’s independence is a cornerstone of its identity, offering scheduling flexibility and financial benefits, including a lucrative broadcast partnership with NBC. While the Irish compete in the ACC for other sports and have a scheduling agreement in football, they remain unaffiliated in football, a stance that has sparked debate, especially with the expanded 12-team CFP format.
Franklin’s call for uniformity extends beyond conference membership. He suggests starting the season earlier to alleviate end-of-year pressures, particularly for teams advancing deep into the playoffs. Additionally, he proposes appointing a commissioner for college football to oversee the sport impartially. Franklin mentioned former coaches like Nick Saban, Chris Petersen, and Dave Clawson as potential candidates for such a role.
The idea of a college football commissioner has garnered support from other coaches. Mississippi’s Lane Kiffin, a former assistant under Saban, endorsed the notion, stating, “I can’t imagine there being a better person that genuinely has the best interest for the game and the kids.” However, Duke coach Manny Diaz cautioned that a commissioner would need genuine authority, noting that current power resides with individual leagues.
As college football navigates changes like name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and an expanded playoff system, the push for structural consistency gains urgency. Franklin’s comments underscore the challenges of maintaining fairness and competitiveness in a diverse and evolving environment.
In summary, James Franklin’s advocacy for uniformity in college football spotlights significant structural disparities. His proposals aim to create a more equitable and streamlined system, ensuring that all teams operate under consistent rules and schedules, thereby enhancing the integrity of the sport.