CFP Qualification

[Dan Schmierer]

Various pundits (so called experts, ESPN, Herbstreit, etc.) have publicly stated that only an undefeated Big 12 team will make the CFP. These comments generally are associated with negative comments about the Big 12 in general (arena football, no defense, etc.).

If true the Big 12 is likely in trouble again this year after not making the CFP last year as IMO there is no way OSU beats both Baylor and OU. Given the strength of schedule I think a one loss Big 12 champion is very worthy of a CFP invitation (better than ND, Stanford, one loss Big 10 champion, etc.) especially if OU runs the table finishing with great momentum (now a real possibility). Of course we must realize life is not fair!

However, should history unfairly repeat itself, IMO both the Big 12 and OU need to rethink their strategic positions.

• Not playing a Big 12 championship game is very poor strategy as the other Big 5 conferences have one. The Big 12 conference champion is competing with a one-loss or undefeated champion in the other conferences who are coming off a more recent big win. That got us last year and likely will this year! When coupled with the halo over ND this is a difficult spot to be in.
• IMO the Big 12 has turned into a strong conference but has a big image problem (both big brands - Texas, OU have been down recently). Can enough be done to strengthen the conference and the image to make it worth staying in? Frankly I am not sure!
• Should OU be committed to the Big 12 conference or is it time to look around (SEC, PAC 12). IMO if your one loss champion consistently can't get into the CFP then you are in the wrong conference in an era where going undefeated is so very tough. IMO that is where the Big 12 currently is with only an undefeated champion CFP bound!
• What should OU's next move be or should we just stay the course and hope for the best waiting for that perfect season?