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College Football Playoff squashes idea of expanded field in 2020

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

Professional sports leagues across the country have opted to expand, or are looking into expansion, of their postseason fields due the effects of COVID-19 on their schedules.

But the College Football Playoff will remain at four teams.

The CFP selection committee announced the news on Sunday, along with a short Q&A detailing how it plans to handle the selection process. It was confirmed in the release that there will be no expansion for the 2020 playoff.

“The CFP management committee considered expanding the College Football Playoff this year and decided against it,” the committee said. “The year 2020 has been one of uncertainty and change, but we are not changing the playoff format.”

There may be challenges for the committee to select its four playoff teams should the COVID-19 issues continue to ripple through schedules. Situations could arise where two teams, having played a different number of games, will need to be considered.

“There is no minimum game requirement to be eligible for the College Football Playoff,” the committee reiterated. “The number of games and wins by each team is certainly important in weighing its ranking, but it is not the only factor.”

The final rankings are set to be posted on Dec. 20, with the national semifinals scheduled to be played on Jan. 1.

The crowning of the national champion is set for Jan. 11, unless complications caused by COVID-19 force a scheduling change.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.