College Football: G6 Coaches Split on Separate Playoff Format
A survey of 69 coaches shows 40 support a distinct tournament, though New Mexico’s head coach describes the decision as complex due to scheduling conflicts.
By Simon Bennett ·
New Mexico head coach Jason Eck says he thinks about the potential Group of Six playoff format daily, noting that he goes back and forth on the concept. The uncertainty stems from how the tournament would interact with the expanded College Football Playoff and existing television contracts. For fans of mid-major programs, the format could determine whether their teams compete for a separate national title or try to break into the larger field.
The debate has intensified as the postseason structure shifts. The College Football Playoff expanded from four to 12 teams just two years ago. According to ESPN, the field is set to grow to 24 teams as early as next season. This expansion is expected to eliminate several Power Four conference championship games and disrupt the current bowl system. A separate Group of Six championship game could emerge from these changes, allowing teams from the Mountain West, Pac-12, MAC, American, Sun Belt, and Conference USA to play for a distinct title.
The split among coaches is nearly even. On3 surveyed 69 Group of Six head coaches last week. Forty coaches supported a separate playoff, while 21 opposed it and nine declined to offer an opinion. The supporters cited the disparity in resources and the win-loss record against Power Four opponents. In the current season, Power Four teams have outscored Group of Six teams 75 wins to 3 losses. One anonymous coach told On3 that there is no realistic ability for their programs to win the College Football Playoff national title under the current system.
Eck responded to the survey over the summer. He described the topic as a layered question because the specific format is not yet defined. He noted that many coaches want the season to start earlier to accommodate the 24-team field. This earlier start creates a scheduling conflict for television networks on New Year's Day. Three College Football Playoff games are currently scheduled for that date: the Cotton Bowl, the Rose Bowl, and the Peach Bowl.
Eck proposed a solution to the scheduling issue. He suggested that the Group of Six tournament championship game should be played on New Year's Day. He explained that if a Group of Six team qualified for the 24-team playoff and was eliminated, it could receive a bye in the Group of Six tournament. This approach would allow the separate title game to fit into the existing holiday window without displacing major bowls.
The coach acknowledged a logical problem with the current proposals. If two Group of Six teams make the 24-team College Football Playoff, it becomes difficult to declare a different team the Group of Six champion. Eck said it is tough to say how that situation would be resolved. He also expressed hope that the bowl system continues to thrive despite the changes. He questioned whether traditional bowls that featured two Power Four teams, such as the Alamo Bowl and the Gator Bowl, would be willing to take more Group of Six teams.
Not all coaches share Eck's nuanced view. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said he was not contacted by On3 for the survey. He believes a separate Group of Six playoff muddies the waters. Danielson stated that if his team does its job, he wants a shot at the College Football Playoff title. If the team does not handle its part, he said they have to get better rather than settle for a secondary championship.
New Mexico enters this week with a 7-1 record. The Lobos play Nevada on Friday night in Reno. A win would be New Mexico's first ever in that location. The team is currently ranked No. 22 in the AP Top 25. A loss would keep the program's hopes for a College Football Playoff berth alive but would force it to wait for another season to test its standing against the top tier.
