Nebraska AD Bill Moos prefers an eight-team field. He made his feelings clear three weeks ago during a Big Ten athletic directors Zoom meeting.
“I was first out of the chute on the subject,” he said.
Moos’ preference mirrors that of a lot of people. In his desired eight-team field, each of the Power Five conference champions would receive automatic berths, and a sixth berth would go to the highest-ranked Group of Five program. The final two spots would be at-large choices by the CFP selection committee.
“I like eight because it’s fair that those Power Five champions are represented and that the kids at Wyoming and San Diego State and Bowling Green have a hope that they can go upset the apple cart,” Moos said.
The at-large berths could go to power program — think Alabama or Ohio State or Oklahoma — that happens to get upset in a conference championship game.
Moos is adamant that the first round of games should be played on campuses.
“It’s a reward to the community. It’s another home game,” he said. “The university itself is showcased on a national stage. Some of my colleagues say, ‘Oh, there could be inclement weather so we’ve got to play in domes.’ But I’m like, ‘Listen, basically 100% of these players think they’re going to go play at the next level, and if you play for the Miami Dolphins, you’re going to get sent to Buffalo.’
“It’s the real world, man. The thing is, if you get a first-round game, it’s because you’ve earned it.”
Bottom line, Moos is steadfast in his preference for an eight-team field.
