Dan Lanning speaks out on a long CFP schedule and how to fix it

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Dan Lanning speaks out on a long CFP schedule and how to fix it

Dan Lanning speaks out on a long CFP schedule and how to fix it originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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If the College Football Playoff feels like it has gone on too long this season, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning agrees. He believes the current playoff schedule needs to change and says the solution is not that complicated. Lanning recently shared his thoughts on how the CFP is set up, pointing out that some teams are forced to wait weeks before playing another game. Those long breaks can hurt teams instead of helping them.

“Every playoff game should be played every single weekend until the season is over,” Lanning said. “Even if that means starting earlier or getting rid of byes, the season should end on Jan. 1. Then the transfer portal can open and coaches can move on if they need to.”

Many fans and coaches share Lanning’s concerns. Teams that earned a first round bye have been off for nearly a month. When players are not playing games, it can be hard to stay sharp and focused.

Last season shows why this matters. Every team that had a first round bye lost its first playoff game. Those teams went 0 for 4. On the other hand, teams that played in the opening round looked more prepared and in rhythm.

Lanning believes Oregon benefited from playing earlier in the playoff. The Ducks beat James Madison on Dec. 20, and even though the performance was not perfect, Lanning said the game helped his team stay ready.

“Playing in the first round helped us stay in rhythm,” he said.

The long playoff schedule also causes problems off the field. Lanning explained that the timing of the CFP makes things harder with the transfer portal, coaching changes, and school schedules. This year’s national championship is not until Jan. 19, which is late for players and coaches trying to plan their futures.

“It’s hard for players to understand what their future looks like,” Lanning said. “They’re dealing with visits, the portal, and a lot of other things at the same time.”

Lanning pointed out that college football is often seen as a step below the NFL, which makes it even more important for the sport to protect its own traditions and schedule. Because college football doesn’t get the same attention or resources, it needs to do everything it can to keep fans engaged and teams playing at their best. One big problem right now is the long breaks between playoff games, which can cause players to lose their rhythm and focus. These long waits aren’t helping college football stay competitive or exciting, especially when compared to the NFL’s faster pace.

Lanning also talked about how college football has slowly given up too many Saturdays in December to the NFL. While he made it clear that he respects the NFL, he believes college football needs to protect its own traditions.

“Saturday should belong to college football,” Lanning said. “Every Saturday in December should be for college football.”

The NFL has played some Saturday games in the past, but in recent years that number has grown. In 2023, the NFL played a record four straight Saturday games. Now, Saturday games are scheduled during Weeks 15 through 18 of the NFL regular season. That means college football is now forced to compete for attention on the same day it has always owned.

Lanning pointed out that college football is often treated like a minor league compared to the NFL, which is another reason he wants Saturdays back. He believes college football should not have to move aside during one of its most important months.

The problem with long breaks also showed up during the Miami versus Ohio State game, when it was revealed that the Buckeyes had not played in 25 days. That brings up an important question. How is a long break really an advantage?

In professional baseball, teams that play in the wild-card round often build momentum, while teams with byes sometimes struggle. The same thing is now happening in college football. Too much time off can lead to rust instead of rest. Teams lose rhythm, timing, and confidence.

Playing games week to week keeps players sharp and focused. It helps teams stay in sync and ready for big moments.

If the College Football Playoff wants better games and a smoother postseason, the answer may be simple. Cut down on long breaks, reduce byes, and let teams play every weekend until the season is over.

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