Multiple Pac-12 ADs express concerns on moving forward with expanded Playoff

There’s some growing concern within the Pac-12 about proceeding with an expanded College Football Playoff format, according to the Mercury News.

There’s been discussions across the college football landscape about growing from the current four-team system. With departing Big 12 schools Oklahoma and Texas setting off a domino affect through the sport, there’s now mixed feelings about modifying the format.

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan believes there’s unresolved issues.

“Until there are solutions to the riddles, I’m not comfortable moving forward,” Harlan said. “For the conference and for Utah, (expansion) seems better, but there are critical questions.”

Harlan is an advocate for expansion but still needs more information to fully pledge his support.

“I’m a strong supporter of expansion,” Harlan said. “It’s a way to improve a great game and give more teams access to the championship. My concern, although the work (on the 12-team format) was done by people I have great respect for — and they provided a great road map — but I think there are more questions to be answered.”

Oregon athletic director Rob Mullen adds that patience is key when contemplating such a drastic change.

“It’s something that’s on the table, but I think we need to be thoughtful about it and make sure we get the timing right,’’  Mullens said. “That’s an important piece.”

Only two Pac-12 teams qualified for the CFP since its 2015 inception: Oregon in 2015 (lost in national title game to Ohio State) and Washington in 2017 (lost in semifinals to Alabama).