The Big 12 can have high hopes of making it to the College Football Playoff (CFP) with the addition of teams and games for its conference. Following these considerations, experts believe that the Big 12 can have a 10 to 15 percent chance of reaching the CFP.
Forbes noted that the Big 12 may have a fighting chance to the CFP if it will have two more teams and will play an eight-game conference schedule. It was also noted that the conference could have its own championship game.
In addition, ESPN said having 12 teams again will maximize the chances of the Big 12 to reach the CFP. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said it is time to change the 10-team and nine-game conference setup.
Meetings Set This Month
A meeting of the Big 12 coaches and directors will happen this week in Phoenix and they are expected to immediately act on this concern. There is also a conference in Irving, Texas, later this month.
Big 12 board chair David Boren told ESPN that the Big 12 should already have a concrete plan this summer. He is also expecting that a championship game will likewise be added.
On the other hand, the Big 12 commissioner said the league may not be able to vote on the issue at their May meeting. Bowlsby noted that the Big 12 should still prioritize the changes that can be made this coming summer.
Pieces To The Puzzle
"Once we get the diagnostics done and the data analysis done, we need to get down the path and make some decisions," Bowlsby told ESPN. "There's no sense in dragging it out once we know all the pieces to the puzzle."
CBS Sports added that some of the possible teams that an be considered for expansion include Central Florida, BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis and UConn. Bowlsby added that one of the possibilities after the meetings of heads is a 16-man Big 12 team.
