In a recent press conference ahead of the Orange Bowl, Penn State head coach James Franklin reignited the debate surrounding Notre Dame’s participation in a college football conference. The discussion has been ongoing for years, but Franklin’s comments have brought it back into the spotlight. He argued that all FBS schools, including Notre Dame, should join conferences to ensure uniformity in scheduling and competition. This proposal has sparked discussions about fairness in the College Football Playoff system, where teams with conference championships may have an advantage over independent programs like Notre Dame.
Penn State Coach Advocates for Conference Unity Ahead of Orange Bowl
In the crisp winter air of early January, as anticipation builds for the upcoming Orange Bowl, Penn State head coach James Franklin made waves by voicing his opinion on a long-standing issue in college football. During a joint press conference with Notre Dame’s coach Marcus Freeman, Franklin expressed his belief that every FBS school should be part of a conference. This stance is not a critique of Notre Dame’s current independent status but rather a call for consistency across the sport. Franklin emphasized the importance of playing conference championship games uniformly or eliminating them altogether, suggesting that this would create a level playing field for all teams involved.
The timing of Franklin’s remarks is particularly noteworthy, given that Notre Dame faces unique challenges due to its independent status. Unlike many other top-tier programs, the Fighting Irish do not have the opportunity to secure an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff through a conference championship. This absence can place Notre Dame at a disadvantage when competing against teams that benefit from conference structures. Franklin’s suggestion highlights the broader implications of conference membership on playoff eligibility and overall competitiveness.
Beyond the immediate context of the Orange Bowl, Franklin also proposed an innovative idea to further enhance the college football experience. He suggested that conferences could expand their postseason schedules by having additional games between ranked teams, beyond just the championship match. This concept aims to provide more data for the CFP committee, generate additional revenue, and offer fans more thrilling matchups. While this idea remains speculative, it reflects a growing desire for reform in how college football organizes its seasons and playoffs.
From a journalist’s perspective, Franklin’s comments underscore the need for a reevaluation of the current college football landscape. The debate over conference membership and playoff structure reveals deeper issues of fairness and equality in the sport. As college football continues to evolve, finding ways to balance tradition with modern demands will be crucial. Whether Notre Dame joins a conference or not, the conversation Franklin has sparked is an important step toward addressing these challenges and ensuring a more equitable future for all teams.