In the aftermath of another exciting weekend of college football, fans and analysts are reflecting on the minimal late-year drama in the 2023 season, which raises questions about the necessity of the proposed 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format. The promise of increased fan engagement and meaningful games down the stretch seem to have fallen short, with most of the top-ranked teams winning their games in the final weeks of the regular season.

With the top 10 teams in the College Football Playoff Rankings emerging victorious over the weekend, it marks the third consecutive week where the top eight teams have secured wins. This dominance by the top-ranked teams suggests that if a 12-team playoff were implemented this season, there would be little suspense regarding the selection of teams. The majority of the field would already be determined heading into the final week of the regular season.

The matchup between powerhouses Alabama and Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, for example, would hardly have any significance in terms of playoff implications. Regardless of the outcome, both teams are seen as virtual locks for a spot in the 12-team playoff. A similar scenario plays out for Ohio State and Michigan, as the loser of their upcoming clash would still have a strong chance for an at-large berth. The ACC race holds some intrigue, but much of it depends on the season-ending injury to Florida State's star quarterback Jordan Travis.

The Pac-12 situation also lacks suspense, with Washington and Oregon potentially securing playoff berths regardless of the outcome of their rivalry games. The only conference that could potentially shake things up is the Big 12, where the determined conference champion could impact the at-large selection process.

In a 12-team format, the primary areas of uncertainty would revolve around seeding, the final at-large berths, and considerations for Group of Five participants. However, these would not generate the same level of excitement and anticipation as teams vying for a spot in the playoff itself.

While both the current four-team and proposed 12-team playoff formats have their flaws, the lack of late-season drama in 2023 raises doubts about the promised excitement and intrigue of expanding the playoff field. With only a few teams controlling their own destiny, the focus remains on meaningful games rather than the extraneous considerations that a 12-team format might introduce.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts eagerly await the final rankings to see which teams will secure a spot in the coveted playoff. The current format, despite criticism, still retains the element of uncertainty and keeps fans engaged until the very end. As the 2023 college football season proves, perhaps expanding the playoff field may not necessarily guarantee the late-year drama and excitement that fans were hoping for.

In other news:

The USC Trojans' season ends on a disappointing note, finishing with a 7-5 record amid doubts about the coaching staff's ability to guide the team to success in the future. Head coach Lincoln Riley faces scrutiny as the Trojans struggle to recapture their winning ways.

Louisville's head coach, Jeff Brohm, receives praise for his remarkable coaching job in his first season at the helm. Leading the team to consecutive conference title games at different programs, Brohm is recognized as one of the best coaches in the country.

New Mexico State's stunning victory over Auburn sparks discussions about the impact of hiring experienced coaches like Jerry Kill, who have a proven track record of turning around struggling programs. Athletic directors are urged to prioritize the ability to win football games over making flashy hires.

Cam Rising's announcement of returning for a seventh season at Utah raises eyebrows and highlights some amusing facts. Rising's journey through college football includes commitments to different programs alongside notable quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, who are now thriving in the NFL.

As the season progresses, projections suggest that Washington may crack the top four in the College Football Playoff Rankings, bolstered by their impressive wins against ranked opponents. The committee is expected to take note of their success and potentially elevate them to a playoff spot.