If a 4 loss team goes into a playoff against 16 teams and comes out on top, they are deserving. They just went through the bracket of the year's 'who's who' of CFB. I think we'd all be kidding ourselves if OU was ranked #16, entered the playoffs and then knocked off 4 teams in succession, each ranked higher. Would you think less of another OU National title? I think not. Take tOSU 31-NOTHING ass kicking last night. Why were they in the game? They weren't conference champs. They were there because panel of experts thought they were worthy. But the fact remains it was their brand, their HC's prior history and they beat OU in Sept to secure their ranking. But in reality, the ONLY thing that matters was the play on the field. They got their asses handed to them...badly. Offensively & Defensively.
Now let's look at Bama. Same thing. Their brand, their HC's previous history and they went through the SEC undefeated. Never an easy task even with a very weak SEC conference this year. But they did it. Does this make them #1 ? Yes, according to the same panel of experts that thought tOSU was worthy as well.
My point is to be the best, you have to beat the best. You have to prove it. The current 4 team bracket is better than years ago, but it still needs more work. As far as the players & family, blah, blah, blah.... You think the players don't want to play? You think the family doesn't want to see the sons succeed? Finals? Not buying this either. An expanded playoff system could be structured. And some day it will be. It's just a matter of time. The days of beating up a eight team conference, then playing one bowl game, and having a panel of people w/ agendas stating who the champ is are over. Soon, a 4 team playoff will be over as well.