(08-04-2022 08:54 AM)ohio1317 Wrote: I think 16 is the maximum number for no divisions or a way (roundabout or not) for conference semi-finals, so I agree 3-6-6 is most likely and am happy for that.
They will want to give both USC and UCLA one locked pairing (outside each other) they are happy with and the other might be random to fill out (same is true in smaller degrees throughout conference). The wild card here though is if they want to make the locked opponents somewhat more competitively even. Making this, I wasn't sure if the conference would be OK with locking Ohio State with Michigan, Penn State, and USC or locking Michigan with Ohio State, USC, and Michigan State. I think the conference will very much like the idea of sending one of Ohio State and Michigan to LA every other year, but I also think they can balance the schedules a bit better by sending Nebraska, which gives the traditional Cornhuskers access to some stronger recruiting ground (something they will benefit more than others from) and still give a big name.
I started coming up with samfle outlines for the different possibilities but will have to post later.
If ND doesn't come, then sure, we can stay at 16 playing 3 rivals annually and everyone else every other year. I'm okay with that while we wait on ND, but if ND decides they're willing to join, then we aren't telling them no, we're expanding, but is it 18 or 20 teams? And then is it 9 or 10 conference games?
If 18 and 9, I think you go with 5-4-4-4.
If 18 and 10, I agree with skyhawk about 3-7-7.
If 20 and 9, then it's obviously 4-5-5-5 (4 teams annually and rotate everyone else H&H every 6 years)
If 20 and 10, then it's the same 4 protected rivals, but rotate everyone else H&H every 5 years instead (4-6-6-6-6-6)
Alternatively if 20 and 10, you use 4-5-5-5 and use the 10th conference game for conference semis for the top 4, maybe a game for 5th vs. 6th for a playoff spot or Citrus bowl bid, and allow 5-20 or 7-20 to play missed rivalries if able.
20 and 10 is probably my favorite format if the B1G is going to expand outside of adding ND only and using a 4-6-6 format (17 teams, 10 conference games, and 4 protected rivals annually), but everyone hates odd numbers lol