Pasadena, California - Alabama coach Nick Saban shared his thoughts on the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) from four to twelve teams, highlighting that he doesn't expect much to change in terms of the significance of the big games. Speaking ahead of the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential against Michigan, Saban compared the CFP selection process to the men's NCAA basketball tournament, which features 68 participating teams.

In his interview, Saban drew parallels between the CFP and the NFL playoffs. He emphasized that teams in college football, like those in the NFL, would strive to win their respective divisions instead of being content with a wild-card spot. Saban stated, "If you have a chance to be a wild-card team that's better than not being in the playoffs. Everybody is fighting for home-field advantage. I think all those things will exist in college football, as well."

However, Saban acknowledged that the growing expansion of the CFP has had an impact on the significance of traditional bowl games. He expressed concern about the diminishing importance of bowl games, a long-standing tradition in college football that celebrated teams with successful seasons. The coach mentioned that the introduction of playoffs had already started to minimize the importance of bowl games. Despite this, Saban made it clear that he supported the expansion of the playoffs.

Saban's concern about the dwindling significance of bowl games was echoed by many critics. The increased emphasis on the playoffs has led to several prospective NFL players opting out of non-CFP games to focus on their preparations for the upcoming NFL draft. It has become a common trend for talented players to prioritize their professional careers rather than participating in bowl games.

An example of this trend is Florida State, who, despite finishing the season undefeated and winning the ACC championship, landed just outside the playoff bracket at No. 5. The team will be without star edge Jared Verse, receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, and running backs Trey Benson and Jaheim Bell in their upcoming bowl game.

The expansion of the College Football Playoff to twelve teams has sparked a debate about the future of bowl games and their significance in the college football landscape. While the playoff expansion aims to provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship, it also raises concerns about the potential decline in the overall value and excitement surrounding traditional bowl games.

As the football community eagerly awaits next year's expanded playoff format, the ongoing conversation about the delicate balance between preserving bowl game traditions and embracing the evolution of college football continues to evolve.