Dan Lanning Calls for Overhaul of College Football Playoff System
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has voiced strong criticism of the current structure of the College Football Playoff (CFP), advocating for significant changes to scheduling and site selection. His remarks come as the Ducks prepare to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a quarterfinal matchup at the Orange Bowl on December 31, 2023, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The Ducks have successfully reached the CFP in the past two seasons, but Lanning is concerned about the inherent inequities in the playoff format. Notably, his team played just days ago, while Texas Tech has not played since their victory in the Big 12 Championship, resulting in a competitive gap exceeding three weeks for one team and barely over a week for the other.
Concerns Over Competitive Balance
Lanning downplayed the notion that this significant difference in preparation time offers a competitive advantage. Instead, he focused on what he considers fundamental flaws within the playoff structure. “The long gaps between games disrupt preparation and rhythm,” he stated, emphasizing the need for postseason matchups to better reflect the regular season.
To illustrate his point, Lanning suggested that the upcoming game should be held at Texas Tech’s home venue due to their higher seed. He proposes a more streamlined playoff process where the next game follows the subsequent Saturday, leading to a championship match. “In my opinion, this game should be played at Texas Tech,” Lanning remarked.
This proposed alteration would further diminish the significance of traditional bowl games, which have increasingly been integrated into the playoff system. Historically, events like the Orange, Rose, and Sugar Bowls served as standalone postseason rewards but now primarily function as venues for the CFP.
Potential Impact on Postseason Structure
Lanning’s vision aligns the CFP more closely with professional playoff models, a shift that could ignite discussions among administrators and schools regarding the future of college football postseason arrangements. While he advocates for these changes, Lanning recognizes that Oregon must operate within the current framework for now. After the Ducks experienced a quarterfinal exit last season despite entering as the No. 1 seed, they are hopeful that improved preparation will enable them to navigate what Lanning describes as a postseason process “without much rhythm.”
The call for reform in the College Football Playoff structure reflects a growing sentiment among coaches and players who seek a more equitable experience in collegiate sports. As the Ducks gear up for their critical game against Texas Tech, the discussions surrounding the playoff format are likely to intensify, highlighting the need for a system that better accommodates all teams involved.
