Never liked the "Bowl System". Heading to Florida for good weather, then getting whacked by the home team.
Since the playoffs, there's no more doubt, like the split decision in 97 of NU & Michigan. That SO sucked. Why should crazy AP propaganda writers be in a position to pick champions? If the amateur status of the game is gone, it was the bowl games that wrecked it. Those players got "gifts", and then some...
I've said it before, bowls are just money grubbers who could care less about the sport. The "granddaddy" Rose Bowl dumped football for chariot racing in its formative years. Look it up. That system is better off dead. Since the CF playoff, the bowls are now known as consolation games. Fact is, they ALWAYS were. Playoffs just brought it out in the open. Sure, the top bowls made money for their schools, but the purse is richer now, and a true champion is crowned. Wish we had a playoff in 97 to prove who was real champ. Also wish we had ref replay when PSU caught the ball out of bounds to beat NU. Times sure have changed, but can't say those were the good old days. Good riddance.
Expanded Playoffs will be better, so long as it avoids total corruption. More schools, more chances to prove themselves, more people watching the sport.
With all the watchers here looking over the portal QBs and such, can't say that the portal or NILs are a bad thing either. I see it as enhanced recruiting. So did Prime, but didn't get him to a bowl game, so it has its limits. As for the amateur status, that was never real to begin with. Just more silly pretend rules. Way back when, the players had more bling than I could afford today. Enhancers, parties, gourmet food, anything they wanted. If money drives them to the NFL, the NIL could drive them to be better players and be in better places. For pay, or whatever.
The only thing I think is ruined by these things is a false sense of sentimentality. Hoops, the FCS, Women's basketball, pro sports, all have championship playoffs. The argument to keep that from a great sport like FBS college football was a bad money grubbing hoax. Glad to be rid of it before I wax off.