CFP doesn't have 12 best teams. Here's what it would look like if it did

The College Football Playoff committee’s job used to be to select the four best teams for the bracket. No automatic bids, although conference championship games provided a useful data point.

Then came the 12-team playoff, and five automatic bids barged their way into the bracket. A worthy idea, but realignment and bloated conferences damaged this concept. The CFP format probably requires fine-tuning after seeing Tulane and James Madison clog the first round.

I’m all ears for the burgeoning idea the 12-team playoff ought to be an attempt to gather the 12 best teams. No auto bids. No conferences are guaranteed a spot. And, if I might be so bold, no athletic directors involved in choosing the 12 best teams.

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