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Does the CFP Committee Favor the SEC Over the Big 12?

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process often sparks heated debates, and one recurring criticism is the perception that the committee favors the SEC over conferences like the Big 12. While the SEC undeniably fields powerhouse teams and boasts on-field success, some argue that financial incentives and brand power play a role in these decisions, overshadowing the Big 12’s competitiveness.

The SEC’s media deals, most notably with ESPN, significantly enhance the conference’s visibility and influence. High-profile matchups like Alabama vs. Georgia or LSU vs. Florida are given prime-time slots and extensive coverage, creating a national narrative of SEC dominance. This exposure can subtly influence the committee, which is tasked with evaluating teams based on resumes but also faces pressure to consider the broader appeal of its selections. SEC teams often benefit from the “eye test,” with losses to other ranked SEC teams being framed as "quality losses," while similar scenarios in the Big 12 might not carry the same weight.

Another factor is the CFP’s business model. The Playoff generates immense revenue, and marquee SEC brands tend to attract larger audiences. This financial reality may lead to subconscious bias when choosing between a one-loss SEC team and a similarly deserving Big 12 team. Historically, teams like Alabama have received the benefit of the doubt, even in seasons where they didn’t win their conference, while Big 12 teams, like TCU in 2014, have been left out despite comparable resumes.

For the Big 12 to counteract this bias, its teams must dominate non-conference schedules, win impressively, and make compelling cases that demand recognition. Until then, the financial and cultural power of the SEC will likely continue to influence the CFP landscape, sometimes at the Big 12’s expense.

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