Dochterman: Jim Delany’s original plan of a nine-game schedule to “play each other more, not less,” add at least one Power 5 nonconference opponent and eliminate FCS games backfired. The eye test has trumped criteria for the CFP committee. This year, 13 of the 14 Big Ten teams will play at least 10 Power 5 opponents. Only one of 14 in the SEC will do so. That’s a huge advantage for the SEC toward playoff qualification. With the likelihood of a 12-team playoff in 2023, the Big Ten’s primary goal should be to gain as many CFP berths as possible. To get on equal ground with the SEC, the Big Ten should cut league play to eight games. Then, it should eliminate divisions, schedule three permanent opponents for each school and cycle through the other 10 teams two years on, two years off. If there’s a ninth game, incorporate the champions week concept so teams three and four have a shot at a quality data point.
East and West could be done in the future?