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I guess another idea is to redo divisions every year based on some idea of rotating opponents.  Basically keep the flex plus that came out for locked games, lock Oregon and Washington only with each other (they weren't playing USC and UCLA every year), and then redo the divisions every year.  For teams with two locked opponents, they would have to be in a division every year with one or the other. For Iowa (the only team with 3 locked opponents), they'd have to be in a division with 2.  

This isn't as neat as a pod or semi-pod system, but would allow for some flexibility and different competition each year.



On other approaches.  I am not really a fan of the 3 division approach unless they have already decided on a method for introducing semi-finals (doubt and hope that doesn't happen).  While I think I think 3 divisions has merit, since we are trying to get 2 teams for a CCG, I don't love the approach.

Side Note:  There is some rumors of 10 conference games coming.  I think that will help however this is done.

What I would like to see is a flexible schedule for 8 conference games.  Each team plays 4 home and 4 away games.  Game 9 would be determined by conference standing at year end. Top 4 teams play for Big championship.  Teams 5 thru 11 have home field and play 12 thru 18. 

To determine match ups between non play off teams, rivalry would be matched first if they haven't played each other already.  Then try to get as many teams as you can to match up that haven't played each other during the year.

This is an interesting concept, I like it.

I'd add that I'd basically include your determinants for the 5-11 vs 12-18 matchups to the 1-2 vs 3-4 matchups also. Ie:

• First determine the teams, 1-2-3-4.
• Next 1&2 host, 3&4 travel. 
• Select matchups to minimize rematches so if 1 has played 3&4 and 2 has played 3 but not 4 then matchups are 1vs3 and 2vs4. 
• Default is 1vs4, 2vs3.

It is simple.  It would basically be 2 traditional conferences.  I get the appeal (I think ideal conference size is 8-11 members and even in the 11 team Big Ten we played everyone at least 3/4 the time), but since it would likely mean almost never playing Wisconsin, Iowa, etc, I don't want them to go for it.  It is not worth giving up those teams to me to get that destination.  I'd rather have everyone as often as possible.

Running this exercise right now is fruitless.

The BIG will be at 24 schools in short order.

Ugh.

At that point I'm really confused. To even play all the teams in your half/division would take 11 games.

Four pods of six?

• 5 games against the other 5 members of your pod
• 3 games, one each against one team in each of the other three pods.
• 9th game is determined by standings. 
• The four pod champions play each other.
• The other 20 teams play each other.
• CG is between the winners of the two games between pod champions. 

Ugh.

At that point I'm really confused. To even play all the teams in your half/division would take 11 games.

Four pods of six?

• 5 games against the other 5 members of your pod
• 3 games, one each against one team in each of the other three pods.
• 9th game is determined by standings.
• The four pod champions play each other.
• The other 20 teams play each other.
• CG is between the winners of the two games between pod champions.

The four pods:
West Coast:

• USC
• UCLA
• Washington
• Oregon
• Stanford
• ?

West-Midwest:

• Nebraska
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Northwestern

East-Midwest:

• Indiana
• Purdue
• Michigan
• Michigan State
• Ohio State
• ?

East Coast:

• Rutgers
• Penn State
• Maryland
• North Carolina
• Virginia
• ?

So we need another West Coast school, another in the Indiana/Michigan/Ohio area, and another East Coast School.

The SEC's scheduling after adding A&M and Missouri is embarrassing.
Lazy.  Stupid.  Idiotic.
Taking 12 years to play everyone home and away.
FFS, don't do that.

Running this exercise right now is fruitless.

The BIG will be at 24 schools in short order.

You might be right about the 24 teams but it won't be before the 2024 schedule comes out.
Just think that 4 team play off for conference game 9 would select the best 2 teams for the championship game. Picking the top 2 division winners may not be the 2 best teams.