(05-31-2019 06:38 PM)Wedge Wrote:  Interesting observation here about future non-conference scheduling and the CFP.

https://theathletic.com/988879/2019/05/2...-and-home/

Quote:[Georgia AD] McGarity said he and head coach Kirby Smart are taking that scheduling approach for this particular reason, in addition to enticing fans with a more attractive home slate. “We both feel that (the Playoff) is going to eight teams, eventually,” McGarity said.

Considering the dates of the home-and-homes scheduled — with so many of them set after 2025, when the initial CFP contract ends — it’s fair to surmise that to McGarity, “eventually” could coincide with the conclusion of the contract with ESPN.

One industry insider pointed to the increase in scheduling home-and-home series between Power Five opponents — Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, Texas, USC and others in addition to Georgia — and echoed McGarity’s line of thinking. “People are starting to behave in a way that suggests they think an eight-team Playoff is going to happen,” the insider said. In an eight-team format, a good two-loss team that challenged itself should have a strong chance to make the field. Through five years of the four-team field, no two-loss teams have made the Playoff.

When asked to expand upon his comments by The Athletic later on Tuesday, McGarity declined but added, “We believe that’s where things are headed over the next decade.”