Can't Wait For Saturday Coaches moving the right direction on CFP expansion

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May 2—***

During his Zoom press conference Friday, Illinois football coach Bret Bielema said the magic words that will always get my attention: playoff expansion.

As a big shot at the American Football Coaches Association, the Illinois boss hears things. And notices trends.

"I think there's an overwhelming feeling from not just in the Big Ten, but of a lot of indicators in the SEC and ACC that everybody would like to go to 24 (teams)," Bielema said. "I think that is a positive thing. I think it can happen even faster than we think. I think it could be in play very, very quickly."

The current CFP field is limited to 12 teams, which is better than none or the old four teams, but not enough for some of the stake holders.

Had the field been 24 in 2024 and 2025, 10-3 and 9-4 Illinois would have been a lock both seasons.

The driving force for the coaches: access. The more spots, the better chance they have to continue their seasons. With the bowl system facing serious questions, CFP expansion is more of a when than an if.

If they go to 24 teams, I'm hoping the Power Four don't insist on locking in a number of bids each season. Please, allow your play on the field to dictate who qualifies, not some random quota that will satisfy finance office.

How a 24-team field is constructed will be a trick. Early in the current CFP, first-round byes have been a disaster for teams receiving them, Fix that glitch is a priority.

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