Let's be realistic. Demographics in the United States likely will continue to change dramatically. In 50 years to 75 years, there will be many tens of millions of Americans more so than is the current figure who simply have no interest in American football. Many will prefer simply "football" (i.e., soccer). The percentage of American football fans as it relates to the overall U.S. population will continue to dip.

The folks who run the show in college football know this. They can't keep the product and its presentation in a state of non-change — no matter what the traditionalists want (I basically put myself in that old-school camp as I'm almost 60 and still miss the old days of the big New Years Day bowls. But I'm not stupid. You evolve or you die). Refusing to change would risk the chances of maximizing creating future fans (which is going to be a challenge as is).

The more teams involved in the playoffs means the more leagues participate and, in theory, the more fans bases that will be engaged.

I was hoping for a 16-team playoff (with the winners of each of the 10 D-I leagues automatically qualifying and six at large). Having 12 is the next best thing.

There is no perfect system. We just have to hope the 12-team playoff will be better than the four-team playoff. I'm very optimistic.