Latest news with #Playoff
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
One thing is clear after Big Ten media days: The conference is in la-la-land
LAS VEGAS — You wouldn't think it possible to feel secluded in Las Vegas, but the Big Ten pulled it off with its media days location this week. To get there from my hotel room, I needed to walk through the entire Mandalay Bay casino, past the pool, down a long hallway and up two escalators to a palatial conference center. Advertisement And if that didn't make one feel like they'd entered another world, they only needed to wait for the Big Ten's commissioner and coaches to start speaking. This was the place to come to hear people say, as Washington coach Jedd Fisch did: 'We are playing in the best conference in the country, with the toughest schedule in the country.' Or Indiana's Curt Cignetti, whose program has rid itself of Power 4 nonconference opponents through 2029, joking, 'We figured we would just adopt an SEC scheduling philosophy.' Amazing how quickly the crowing starts when a league wins back-to-back national championships for the first time since World War II. However, it was the first speaker of the week, commissioner Tony Petitti, who made me wonder whether I'd somehow landed on an undiscovered planet. Call it Planet Gaslight. Behind the scenes, Petitti has spent more than a year pushing a bizarre 16-team College Football Playoff model in which his conference and the SEC would earn four automatic berths each, the ACC and Big 12 two. This was his first time pitching it to a large public audience. And even though all the proposed details had long since leaked, even though he'd already talked about it on college football analyst Joel Klatt's podcast, something about being here in person and seeing him extoll the merits of such a destructive idea made me question whether we were all being gaslit. Petitti, whose background is in professional sports, not college, doesn't just want to expand the postseason. He wants to alter the sport fundamentally. He wants it to look less like college football and more like the NFL. He wants Playoff berths determined by conference standings, like they are in the NFL. Unlike the NFL, though, the conference standings in college football would only encompass two-thirds or three-fourths of a team's season, which renders the Week 1 Ohio State-Texas showdown comparable to an Indianapolis Colts-Cincinnati Bengals preseason game. Advertisement Mostly he wants those four guaranteed berths, so that the Big Ten can stage its play-in weekend before the Playoff — No. 3 versus No. 6 and No. 4 versus No. 5. So if you're sixth-place Iowa, you can lose to Iowa State, Ohio State and two 5-7 teams and you're still in the CFP race into December. Like a 7-9 NFC East team playing for a wild-card berth. 'If you are 6-3 in the Big Ten, I would argue that's a great record,' Petitti said toward the end of his media day session. 'If you stumbled in a nonconference game, I don't know why that disqualifies you.' It was at that moment that all of college football on X broke out with the same reaction: Is this guy even a college football fan? This guy is not a college football fan. The third straight Big Ten commissioner to try to fundamentally alter the sport at everyone else's expense. — Zach Barnett (@zach_barnett) July 22, 2025 Tell me you don't understand the history and appeal of college football without telling me … — Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) July 22, 2025 I asked Petitti at his news conference Tuesday whether public opinion factors into these discussions. He took umbrage with my assertion that 'Fans have indicated overwhelmingly they do not want a system where certain conferences get more bids than others.' He responded: 'I'm not aware of massive studies with real research that have demonstrated that.' At that point, I mentioned an admittedly unscientific X poll I'd conducted that morning, in which 75 percent of the respondents preferred a 5-plus-11 model (five conference champs, 11 at-large bids) in a 16-team field. His response: 'We feel pretty strongly that fans will gravitate to a play-in weekend.' Possibly. However, that scientific evidence doesn't exist either. If the CFP expands to 16 teams, which of these two formats would you prefer?5 — Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) July 22, 2025 'Do you think Coke polls the public when it makes changes it thinks are good for its business?' he said in a subsequent interview with columnist John Canzano. Perhaps Petitti is planning to call his system 'New Playoff.' However, whatever you or I think about his plan, the Big Ten's 18 coaches are entirely behind their commissioner. One by one, they took to the podium, made a point of praising Petitti's leadership during their opening comments and then delivered their pre-programmed New Playoff pitch. Advertisement 'I am in 100 percent agreement with what Tony is saying,' said Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell. 'It's imperative we need four automatic bids, a nine-game schedule in the Big Ten Conference,' Fisch said. 'We can't leave it up to chance with a 5-11 combo.' Oh no. He gaslit the coaches, too. 'If there are seven, eight, nine, ten (Big Ten) teams alive in November that can have a chance to be in the playoffs, that's going to do a world of good for our college football team,' Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. A college football version of the NBA Play-In Tournament would be beneficial for Illinois' football team. But it would be infinitely worse for the sport as a whole if Illinois received special CFP access that its counterparts in the ACC, Big 12 and six other conferences do not. And if that sounds like common sense, well, not here on Planet Gaslight. My sense is that the coaches cared less about the actual format than its potential to whip those cowards in the SEC into line. One after another lamented that the SEC refuses to join them in the land of nine-game league schedules, knowing a four-AQ model may finally push them over the edge. 'When you play nine conference games, it's not the same as someone who plays eight conference games,' Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. 'So, if you're going to be compared against that, then it's just not the same.' We can all agree that the mighty SEC has not been the mighty SEC the past couple of years. First Michigan (against Alabama) and then Ohio State (against Tennessee and Texas) proved that in the Playoff. But there's not a single set of credible data that suggests the Big Ten is playing more demanding schedules than the SEC. (Wisconsin, which plays at Alabama, Ohio State, at Oregon and at Michigan this season, is the notable exception.) Advertisement I'm not sure how the Big Ten can argue with a straight face that the SEC is 'ducking' people. Not when those past two national title teams, the 2023 Michigan and 2024 Ohio State teams, did not play a single Power 5 foe between them. Not when 2025 preseason title favorite Penn State is playing Nevada, FIU and Villanova. How did we get here? Why is a conference that has definitively proved its CFP worthiness so hung up on rigging future Playoffs to its benefit? Well, let's connect the dots. Petitti, the successor to Kevin Warren, began his job in May 2023. Less than three months in, the Pac-12 imploded after USC and UCLA joined the Big Ten; the conference then threw Oregon and Washington a lifeline. Suddenly, the Big Ten had 18 mouths to feed — many with realistic national championship aspirations. Suddenly, a 12-team CFP, which had not even launched yet, already felt too small for them. Meanwhile, it's no secret what entity holds the most influence over Petitti's conference: Fox. In an unusual arrangement, the Big Ten Network, not the conference itself, controls the media rights. Fox owns 61 percent of BTN, effectively giving it control over the Big Ten. And Fox badly wants a bigger piece of college football's postseason than its lone current property, the Holiday Bowl. ESPN has the CFP tied up for another seven years, so those proposed Big Ten play-in games would both provide Fox and/or its sublicensees, CBS and NBC, with more inventory while putting more cash in the coffers of Big Ten members. This helps explain why Petitti talks about a reimagined, watered-down Championship Saturday as if he's delivering water to the Mojave Desert. 'The weekend that we're talking about, where you would have championship games across all conferences, meaningful play-in games — I don't see how that's a bad thing for football, and I think fans will gravitate to it,' he said. Advertisement The problem is, his friends in the SEC haven't gravitated to it. The two parties share equal control of the post-2025 CFP format. That's why these interminable discussions, which began in February 2024, remain at an impasse. 'We are open to considering any format ideas that come from our (conference) colleagues or the CFP staff,' Petitti said, 'but to be clear, formats that increase the discretion and role of the CFP selection committee will have a difficult time getting support from the Big Ten.' A business that fundamentally changes a cherished product, despite no apparent demand for it, will struggle to gain the support of its customers. Ask Coke.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they're no one-hit wonder
LAS VEGAS — After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn't get the memo. 'We're not looking to sustain it, we're looking to improve it,' Cignetti said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. 'And the way you do that is by having the right people on the bus, upstairs in the coaches' offices, downstairs in the locker room.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they're no one-hit wonder
LAS VEGAS (AP) — After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn't get the memo. 'We're not looking to sustain it, we're looking to improve it,' Cignetti said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. 'And the way you do that is by having the right people on the bus, upstairs in the coaches' offices, downstairs in the locker room.' And with that, he said, is a standard he set long ago at James Madison, one that includes a crystal clear blueprint with expectations of never accepting anything less than what's been previously accomplished. 'Consistency day in, day out,' Cignetti added. 'Consistency is huge so that we can play fast, physical, relentless, smart, disciplined, poised, not affected by success, not affected by failure, and never ever satisfied until the game is over.' Nonetheless, the Hoosiers' road back to the playoffs is no easy chore, as their conference slate includes trips to Oregon and Penn State — two College Football Playoff teams they didn't face last year. The Big Ten media poll projected a sixth-place finish for the Hoosiers, indicating they may have been a one-hit wonder. 'I know that's the buzzword — fluke — but I think at the end of the day, we've always overcome whatever expectations people have of us,' said returning all-Big Ten defensive end Mikail Kamara, who followed Cignetti from James Madison. 'So, I feel the way that Cig runs the ship and has a standard, I feel like everyone's kind of bought into it. 'The only goal that we have is to win a championship. I think last year was fun; we wanted to win games, and it was completely all new to us. But now, it's like, we've cemented ourselves in the Big Ten and we're going to go take it over and win.' Why Vegas? Normally, the Big Ten holds its media days inside Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium, and the three-day event certainly could have carried momentum over from the WNBA's All-Star weekend. But the venue was booked for the week. So, rather than return to another old home, Chicago, the 18-team conference chose Las Vegas, a city where it does not have an actual team but that is closer to some of its newer programs — USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. 'I think, obviously, we are a conference that goes coast to coast, so having some presence closer to our West Coast members is not a bad thing," commissioner Tony Petitti said. "It started with logistics, to be really candid.' Look good, feel good, play good Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola made the rounds, donning a customized suit that reeked of success while embracing a Las Vegas vibe. Wearing a crisp black suit with red piping and playing cards stitched on the inside to match his red-bottom Christian Louboutin shoes, the second-year signal caller said the Cornhuskers, picked to finish eighth by media members, are loaded with confidence heading into camp. Nebraska started 5-1 last year, before finishing 2-5. One fun fact: Huskers coach Matt Rhule's teams at Baylor and Temple each improved by four wins from his second to third seasons. 'It all stems from the work that's been put in, all the preparation that guys have had,' Raiola said. 'It's going to be an exciting season, guys are ready to go, and there's no stopping us getting to our goals. The consistency of believing in the program, believing in what we believe, and not losing sight of that. 'I think once guys understand that when something works, that you just keep sticking to it and you don't fade from it, you get a strong (result) at the end of the day.' Champaign buzz Illinois was supposed to be a sleeper, perhaps this year's version of Indiana. But with so much hype coming out of Champaign, and the preseason poll landing Illinois in fourth place, the Illini won't be sneaking up on anyone. 'I think (Illinois coach) Bret's (Bielema) built something the way that he wanted to build it,' Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. 'And he's got guys that fit his program, his culture, and now they have an experienced team, which when you're an experienced team, you're always dangerous.' Defensive back Xavier Scott pointed out the Illini's schedule, having to open the season with seven straight games before a bye, but he and his teammates are looking forward to the challenge. 'We're just excited to see what we got, we're just going to continue to do what we do and continue to grind to success,' Scott said. 'We want to make this an every-year type of thing where we're winning games, multiple games, and we're making more bowl games ... and even playoff runs. We're just trying to make that the culture of Illinois.' ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they're no one-hit wonder
LAS VEGAS (AP) — After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn't get the memo. 'We're not looking to sustain it, we're looking to improve it,' Cignetti said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. 'And the way you do that is by having the right people on the bus, upstairs in the coaches' offices, downstairs in the locker room.' And with that, he said, is a standard he set long ago at James Madison, one that includes a crystal clear blueprint with expectations of never accepting anything less than what's been previously accomplished. 'Consistency day in, day out,' Cignetti added. 'Consistency is huge so that we can play fast, physical, relentless, smart, disciplined, poised, not affected by success, not affected by failure, and never ever satisfied until the game is over.' Nonetheless, the Hoosiers' road back to the playoffs is no easy chore, as their conference slate includes trips to Oregon and Penn State — two College Football Playoff teams they didn't face last year. The Big Ten media poll projected a sixth-place finish for the Hoosiers, indicating they may have been a one-hit wonder. 'I know that's the buzzword — fluke — but I think at the end of the day, we've always overcome whatever expectations people have of us,' said returning all-Big Ten defensive end Mikail Kamara, who followed Cignetti from James Madison. 'So, I feel the way that Cig runs the ship and has a standard, I feel like everyone's kind of bought into it. 'The only goal that we have is to win a championship. I think last year was fun; we wanted to win games, and it was completely all new to us. But now, it's like, we've cemented ourselves in the Big Ten and we're going to go take it over and win.' Why Vegas? Normally, the Big Ten holds its media days inside Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium, and the three-day event certainly could have carried momentum over from the WNBA's All-Star weekend. But the venue was booked for the week. So, rather than return to another old home, Chicago, the 18-team conference chose Las Vegas, a city where it does not have an actual team but that is closer to some of its newer programs — USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. 'I think, obviously, we are a conference that goes coast to coast, so having some presence closer to our West Coast members is not a bad thing,' commissioner Tony Petitti said. 'It started with logistics, to be really candid.' Look good, feel good, play good Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola made the rounds, donning a customized suit that reeked of success while embracing a Las Vegas vibe. Wearing a crisp black suit with red piping and playing cards stitched on the inside to match his red-bottom Christian Louboutin shoes, the second-year signal caller said the Cornhuskers, picked to finish eighth by media members, are loaded with confidence heading into camp. Nebraska started 5-1 last year, before finishing 2-5. One fun fact: Huskers coach Matt Rhule's teams at Baylor and Temple each improved by four wins from his second to third seasons. 'It all stems from the work that's been put in, all the preparation that guys have had,' Raiola said. 'It's going to be an exciting season, guys are ready to go, and there's no stopping us getting to our goals. The consistency of believing in the program, believing in what we believe, and not losing sight of that. 'I think once guys understand that when something works, that you just keep sticking to it and you don't fade from it, you get a strong (result) at the end of the day.' Champaign buzz Illinois was supposed to be a sleeper, perhaps this year's version of Indiana. But with so much hype coming out of Champaign, and the preseason poll landing Illinois in fourth place, the Illini won't be sneaking up on anyone. 'I think (Illinois coach) Bret's (Bielema) built something the way that he wanted to build it,' Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. 'And he's got guys that fit his program, his culture, and now they have an experienced team, which when you're an experienced team, you're always dangerous.' Defensive back Xavier Scott pointed out the Illini's schedule, having to open the season with seven straight games before a bye, but he and his teammates are looking forward to the challenge. 'We're just excited to see what we got, we're just going to continue to do what we do and continue to grind to success,' Scott said. 'We want to make this an every-year type of thing where we're winning games, multiple games, and we're making more bowl games ... and even playoff runs. We're just trying to make that the culture of Illinois.' ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Playoff team? Doesn't matter. Big Ten media poll still doubting Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off their best season in program history under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, finishing 11-2 and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Expectations remain high heading into 2025 — but not everyone is convinced they can do it again. Take Stephen Means, who compiled the outlet's annual Big Ten preseason media poll. Each voter ranked teams from 1 to 18, with first-place votes worth 18 points, second worth 17, and so on. Advertisement Despite last year's success, the Hoosiers landed at No. 6 in the poll — surprisingly behind both Michigan and Illinois. They earned 305 points and an average rank of 6.80. For a team coming off a Playoff appearance, that feels low. Michigan being ranked ahead of them? Fair enough. The Wolverines won a national title two years ago and just landed Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the country. But Illinois jumping them? That one's harder to justify. Indiana's roster looks stronger than it did a year ago. Cignetti brought in Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza to replace Kurtis Rourke at quarterback and added Maryland running back Roman Hemby to pair with Kaelon Black in the backfield. Advertisement 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Up front, the offense got a boost with Notre Dame transfer and former four-star Pat Coogan stepping in at center. For a group that already looked explosive last season, this unit could take another step forward. Defensively, Indiana returns a stacked group headlined by pass rusher Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher, cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, safety Amare Ferrell, and Jamari Sharpe. All five could be early-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yes, Illinois has a soft schedule — similar to what Indiana had last year — and returns one of the highest percentages of production in the Big Ten. But in today's college football world, where the transfer portal and NIL dominate roster building, that doesn't carry as much weight. Advertisement Illinois also lost their top two receivers in Pat Bryant and Zakari Franklin to the NFL and added just one marquee name in four-star defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. Meanwhile, Indiana returns most of its core — and could realistically field one of the best offenses in the country. Cignetti should have the edge early as Bielema and his team still have plenty to prove. Indiana has the talent, depth, and momentum to build off last year's breakthrough — and if the Hoosiers keep trending up, the rest of the Big Ten won't be able to ignore them much longer.
