The absurdity of absolute power. Big Ten, SEC fight to shape College Football Playoff
The Big Ten and the SEC can't agree on anything.
Which tracks about just how you think it would in Sin City, driving directly into the theater of the absurd.
'I'm not going to put any deadline on it,' Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said Tuesday of negotiations for the new CFP format, while opening Big Ten Media Days at Mandalay Bay Resort.
I know this is going to shock you, but SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made it clear last week during SEC Media Days that, 'We have a deadline of Dec. 1.'
Just when you thought the great College Football Playoff format debate couldn't devolve to more ridiculous levels, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti entered the chat and changed everything.
Forget about the Big Ten and its desired 16-team format that focuses on automatic qualifiers (four each for the Big Ten and SEC) and the need for CFP play-in games during championship week.
Forget about the SEC and its desire for 11 at-large selections of the 16, based heavily on strength of schedule.
Cignetti wants everyone to know that the CFP selection committee has too much power in the process. The very committee that last year selected his 11-win team – with one win against a team with a winning record – to the exclusive party.
The same guy who, when asked Tuesday about Indiana dropping a non-conference game against big, bad Virginia for a Championship Subdivision directional school, responded with, 'We figured we'd just adopt the SEC scheduling philosophy.'
I swear I'm not making this up.
SCHEDULE DEBATE: Indiana coach fires hot at SEC after dropping Virginia
POWER RANKINGS: Where the Big Ten teams stack from first to worst
But at this point, nothing should be surprising in this ever-more-absurd cock walk. Each ego-driven, billion dollar conference trying to exert power over the other, in a blatantly awkward swinging dictator contest.
The Big Ten doesn't want to be seen as the SEC's little brother. The SEC doesn't want to be pushed into a corner, and bend the knee to the conference it has dominated on the field for decades.
Sankey touted the SEC's historical strength of schedule in defense of 11 at-large selections. Winning 14 national titles since 2000 doesn't hurt, either.
Petitti responded by declaring the Big Ten played in eight of the 11 CFP games in 2024, had the four most viewed television games on the season and seven of the top 10.
Then he dropped the ultimate "scoreboard" hammer: 'We just stand by what we do in the Big Ten. I think the national results have shown the last couple of seasons.'
Translation: the Big Ten has won the last two national titles. The SEC has done … what exactly?
There's nothing logical about this public spat, nothing tangible that can be easily negotiated with clear minds or paid off with more money — which a 16-team CFP most certainly brings. This is about superiority and inferiority, and where the SEC and Big Ten fit.
No matter the collateral damage.
Imagine you're Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff. A distinguished 38-year career in the Air Force, retired as a Lieutenant General — the second-highest general officer rank.
You're minding your own business at Big Ten media days, sitting quietly in the back of the large ballroom when some schlub who just picked up his first power conference coaching job starts throwing darts at your committee.
A committee the SEC and Big Ten played a critical role in creating and developing, and growing into the singular, insular monster it has become.
So I asked this titan of service to his country, and frankly, to the Big Ten and SEC and every other college football conference, what it was like to watch Cignetti kneecap his committee. Was it difficult to watch?
'Yeah,' Clark said, smiling wide — and then he stopped himself. Because like all military personnel, he knows there's oder and there's consequences for going outside it.
'The committee selected Indiana,' Clark continued, 'And I think it was the right decision, too.'
Would you look at that, a lesson in swallowing ego and pride for the greater good.
No swinging dictators necessary.
Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
15 minutes ago
- USA Today
8 SEC football freshmen defenders who can make an instant impact
The SEC recruits better than any other conference in college football. With this much high-level talent, it's hard to keep some recruits off the field. A handful of true freshmen make immediate impacts every fall. Some players force their way on the field. Others have to play out of necessity. Either way, any team looking to contend needs a few first-year players to make an impact. Today, we'll look at eight true freshman defenders across the SEC that have a chance to be difference makers in 2025. This list ranges from five-stars who could play anywhere to four-star players making strong first impressions. It's hard to predict which true freshman will see playing time, which is typically volatile for true freshmen. It's not rare to see a guy play 35 snaps one week, only to ride the bench the next. But these are the guys likely to get an opportunity in 2025. Let's jump right in, starting with LSU's five-star cornerback. LSU CB DJ Pickett Pickett signed with LSU as the No. 2-ranked cornerback in the class, per the Rivals' Industry Rankings. He enrolled last December and began practicing with LSU ahead of the Tigers' bowl game. Pickett is uber talented and joins an LSU secondary looking to take a big step. Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Blake Baker had to rebuild the unit after a rough 2023. Progress was shown last year, but an influx of talent has led to higher expectations in 2025. There's playing time to be won and Pickett is good enough to demand it. The five-star may not start right away, but Pickett will be in LSU's rotation in Week 1. Tennessee DT Isaiah Campbell Tennessee has recruited at a high level in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel. Defensive tackle Isaiah Campbell is one of the highest-ranked signees in Huepel's tenure. According to the Rivals' Industry Rankings, Campbell was a five-star and the No. 4-ranked defensive tackle in the class. The buzz on Rocky Top suggests Campbell is ready to make an immediate impact. Tennessee lost a couple of contributing defensive tackles from the 2024 squad. Campbell is one of the most talented players on the roster. Look for Campbell to work into the rotation as Tennessee looks to continue its high level of play on the defensive side of the ball. Texas S Jonah Williams Williams, a five-star, was one of the best safeties in the class. He's a dual-sport star who played with Texas Baseball in the spring. That gave Williams a late start prepping for football season, but he's talented enough to overcome that. Texas' secondary has been one of the best in the country in recent years, but the Longhorns lost star safety Andrew Mukuba. The Longhorns have no shortage of blue-chip options at the position, so playing time won't come easily for Williams, but he's too much of a playmaker not to factor in at all. Look for Williams to be in the rotation by late October. Georgia DL Elijah Griffin Georgia recruited and developed some good defensive tackles in recent years. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis were both All-Americans at UGA before going on to be first-round picks. Now, five-star Elijah Griffin looks to be keeping that tradition going. Per 247Sports, Griffin was the No. 3 overall player and No. 1 defensive tackle in the class. It's hard to find the field as a freshman at Georgia, but Griffin has the tools. Here's what 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Irvins had to say about Griffin: "Disruptive interior force that fuses together exceptional physical traits with an advanced feel for the game. Has proven to be no match for the competition that he has faced and followed up an uber-productive prep career with a dominant showing during practices for the Under Armour All-America Game." Texas A&M DL DJ Sanders We'll stick with the theme of defensive tackles and highlight Texas A&M's DJ Sanders. Sanders wasn't a five-star like the first few guys on this list. Per the Rivals' Industry Rankings, Sanders was the No. 98 overall recruit and No. 11-ranked defensive tackle. But Texas A&M has a lot to replace on the defensive line and there's room for a true freshman to make an impact. "One of the stronger defensive linemen at the point of attack in the 2025 recruiting cycle, routinely stacks and sheds opposing offensive linemen with ease," wrote 247Sports analyst Hudson Standish. Georgia LB Zayden Walker Again, it's not easy to find playing time as a true freshman at Georgia, especially as a linebacker. Kirby Smart needs his linebackers to be operating at a high level mentally and not every freshman is up to the task. However, Walker has the athletic tools to mitigate the mental learning curve. Per 247Sports, Walker was the No. 1-ranked linebacker in the class. At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, he's physically ready for SEC football. With CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson, Georgia likes its starting linebackers but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Walker get run as a depth piece or in special packages. Alabama S Ivan Taylor Alabama's secondary is loaded, but there's room for young guys to find the field, especially at safety. Taylor was a top-100 recruit and ranked No. 5 at his position. According to Andrew Bone, Taylor is in the mix to play as a true freshman. "He drew a lot of praise from the upperclassmen during the spring. There's a great chance he'll start on special teams and also make the regular rotation at safety. He'll have some great players ahead of him to learn from this fall." Ole Miss S Cortez Thomas Ole Miss's secondary was one of the SEC's best in 2024 but the group is starting from scratch in 2025 with most of the top contributors gone. That leaves true freshman Cortez Thomas with a chance to make an instant impact. Thomas wasn't a top recruit, ranking No. 322 nationally and No. 30 at his position. He was a blue-chip, but he's not the same caliber of prospect as some others on this list. With playing time wide open and position battles across the board, Thomas can wiggle into the rotation. Texas DE Lance Jackson Jackson won't claim a starting role for Texas with all the talent returning at pass rusher, but EDGE is a position where depth matters. The more competent pass rushers, the better a defensive coordinator can keep the unit fresh. Texas defensive end Colin Simmons is expected to be one of the top defenders in the country. If Jackson is good enough to spell Simmons for 10 snaps a game, Simmons' impact is maximized. Texas isn't shy about playing true freshmen, especially those of Jackson's caliber. The defensive end from Texas ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit and No. 2 at his position. Look to see Jackson on the field early for the Longhorns.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes look at Big Ten media days
As Iowa football experienced its first conference visit to Las Vegas on Thursday for the 2025 Big Ten media days at the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Hawkeyes released a unique behind-the-scenes look at the annual preseason event. While Iowa's group of representatives, which included head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Koen Entringer, defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett, and offensive lineman Logan Jones, had to wait until the last day of the three-day event to make their appearance, the Hawkeyes were still able to enjoy the spotlight in Sin City. In a behind-the-scenes video posted on their social media platforms, the program provided a very personable view of the proceedings through the lens of the three current athletes accompanying Ferentz. The video captured every aspect of Thursday's 2025 Big Ten media days appearance, spanning from the flight to Las Vegas to the humorous questions asked by the players to their soon-to-be 70-year-old head coach. As the Hawkeyes enter the 2025-26 campaign with an improving offense to pair with their top-tier defense, Iowa could be primed for a magical season fans have been dreaming of. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes of Big Ten media days
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Lincoln Riley believes this year's Trojans have what it takes
The USC Trojans had a disappointing start to their tenure in the Big Ten last season. They finished 7-6 overall and had an abysmal 4-5 record in the conference. This was not the usual success we were accustomed to seeing from USC, even though the Trojans are in the Big Ten, the best conference in college football. The expectations were still higher. Lincoln Riley is confident with what he has in the building. He believes that this year will be different. Adrian Medina with the Sporting Tribune broke down Riley's recent comments on USC's depth this season. "Trojans Head Coach Lincoln Riley, entering his fourth year at USC, was confident about the team's sufficiency of depth and support during this year's Big 10 Media Day. It's very apparent that USC is extremely serious about making this football program and returning it back to being one of the greats of college football," Riley said in his opening statement at the podium. "With our current team, seeing how our roster has evolved on all sides, especially defensively, after the huge improvements that we've made a year ago. The championship-caliber depth that is starting to be established all across the board is something that we have all worked hard for." The Trojans have a better coaching staff now with the addition of former NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. They also have a more experienced roster this season. Out of their 68 players, 44 of them saw some action last season, and 17 Trojans got a chance to start. That is the experience needed to help the Trojans be a more competitive team this season in the Big Ten. They can mix in the talented freshmen and transfers they have acquired. It is notable to see Lincoln Riley have confidence in the team he is fielding this year, but now the talk needs to turn into action and results. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Lincoln Riley believes this year will be different with new USC roster
