Because they ain't big boys, they're kids just like the rest. They only reason div II has their system is to draw more funds towards their 10,000 seating. With 100,000 plus in several universities, why? The real reason it is crazy talk is every game should matter, every game. Not take a loss because there is an opportunity to get a wildcard slip. As much as it sucks to play a cupcake, it needs to count otherwise, we are allowing an opportunity for a team to sand bag, take a loss and still back your way in. Fuck that. Play every game like it matters so that in the end, what you accomplish throughout the season gives you the right to be there and not because you got hot after 5 weeks. Unlike the pros, these kids have heavy obligations which, to me, carries a heavier burden for representing your brand. To put an additional 2 to 3 games on tap takes away from that and opens the door for pay to play. To a point, you are no longer playing for a university, you are playing for the fans.
Great post, but not so fast my friend. 1. I think the competition to get into the 8 would be fierce enough so as to prevent any sandbagging * 2. I'm not yet convinced 8 is the number. I think I like 6 better. 3. It's going to happen and we can't stop it and it's for the very reason you mentioned for D2, dem $$$ * the committee needs to be better selected and managed. With the right people calling the shots a team that sandbag could /should get left out.
I don't see how sandbagging would help a team get into the playoffs. Losing any game could be a deal breaker. I don't like 6 teams because the top 2 seeds would have a first round bye. It would already have been a month since they played a game so the bye could work as a disadvantage. It's not like the NFL where a bye only gives teams one week off.
Let's say a team is sitting pretty at #1 or 2. Rivalry week comes they could "potentially " sandbag, maybe keep some out or whatever, lose, drop 3,4 or 5 spots but still get in. I can't imagine this would ever happen. Teams play to win, well most of the time.
Sandbagging may be a poor choice of words. But sitting key players to rest them for something more important down the road is viable. If you regular season ends with a cupcake and you know you will be challenged a week later, what should the fans expect? How does that make your university look?? Or you go out and try to hang 80 on the cupcake or secure a second heisman for henry. But sitting players is more likely if you know you are facing another 3 games for the ship.
The only do it in the pros after they have clinched the playoffs. Making the playoffs in college is a lot more iffy and you never know you are in until you win your final game
I could see a team resting starters, let's say LSU has the west locked up, they already clinched the West going into the final regular season game, they have to play A&M, and Florida has won the East. Would you rest your starters knowing that if you beat UF in the SECCG you are in, regardless what happens against A&M? Unlikely scenario, but still.
