College Football Playoff Sticks to Original Schedule Despite SEC’s Request
In the world of college football, where every decision can ripple through the season like a stone in a pond, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has decided to maintain its original schedule. This decision comes despite a request from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to flip the dates and times of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the Capital One Orange Bowl. The request was made public on Thursday, and it has sparked a flurry of reactions and discussions among fans and analysts alike.
To set the stage, let’s look at the recent games that have led us to this point. Notre Dame, fresh off a 23-10 victory against Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, is set to face Penn State next Thursday in the Capital One Orange Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Penn State earned their spot by defeating Boise State 31-14 in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl quarterfinal was marred by a tragic event—a pickup truck attack in New Orleans that resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. This incident led to a delay in the game, which has been a significant factor in the scheduling discussions.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey expressed concerns about the potential disadvantage for Notre Dame, which will have a shorter turnaround time compared to Penn State. Penn State, having played on New Year’s Eve, benefits from a longer rest period. Sankey’s request to flip the games was aimed at leveling the playing field for Notre Dame.
However, CFP executive director Rich Clark confirmed to ESPN on Friday morning that the games would not be flipped. “We’re not going to flip the games,” Clark stated. “The concession we made with the athletic directors was to start the Sugar Bowl earlier—an 18-hour or so delay. We slipped the game 18 hours to ensure we could provide safety and security for teams, coaches, staffs, fans, and others involved. NOLA and Sugar Bowl officials were amazing.”
Meanwhile, Texas emerged victorious in a thrilling double-overtime match against Arizona State on New Year’s Day, winning 39-31. The Longhorns are now set to face Ohio State, who dominated Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. This matchup will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on January 10 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Sankey elaborated on his request, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. “I recognize that’s difficult,” Sankey said. “I don’t know if it is impossible. I raised that [Wednesday], and the focus quickly became today’s kickoff, today’s game, and we’ll see what happens.”
Sankey emphasized that this issue is not exclusive to the SEC but affects both teams involved. He also acknowledged the logistical challenges, including community plans and stadium availability, that come with altering the schedule. “What I’ve not heard back from anybody after having asked the question is really directly a yes or no answer to the question I asked,” he added.
Rich Clark further explained the logistical hurdles of changing the games. “Logistics are very complicated, disruptive to the other teams involved that have schedules in place, especially Texas and Ohio State,” he said. “Fans have made arrangements already, and this creates issues for them. There’s more, but these are some of the major points.”
Sankey concluded by reflecting on the tragic circumstances that led to this conversation. “Sometimes, just like within a game, you have to adapt, you have to adjust,” he said. “Right now with the schedule set, these teams will have to adjust their preparation based on the schedule that lies ahead.”
- Notre Dame vs. Penn State: Capital One Orange Bowl, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Texas vs. Ohio State: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET
As the college football world continues to react to these developments, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these decisions impact the upcoming games and the overall playoff picture.
Originally Written by: Heather Dinich
