It might be SEC Media Days week, but Clemson coach Dabo Swinney caught the attention of the college football-watching world on Tuesday when he questioned the proposed 12-team CFP playoff expansion model.
The Pelham native made it a point to say the CFP expansion is inevitable, but he doesn’t appear to be for it.
“I knew when it went to four, it was going to become all about the playoff, and when it goes to 12, it’s going to become more about the playoff, but it’s inevitable,” Swinney said. “Some people will say, ‘Well you’ve been in the playoff. If we can get in with four, we’re going to get in with 12.’ Our odds aren’t going to go down, so it’s not about that.
“Our team isn’t for it. They don’t want to play more games. And to be honest with you, I don’t know if there’s 12 teams good enough. So you’re going to play more games just to play more games. And I think the more you expand it, the less important the season becomes and the more you become the NFL, as far as all right, you’re in the playoffs? Well, you know, why play Trevor [Lawrence] in this game if you’re already in? All of a sudden you’re not in the top 12 and kids just aren’t playing.”
Swinney’s stance is understandable. As he pointed out, his team has been successful in the four-team model. The Tigers have made six straight appearances in the College Football Playoff and won two national championships.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
