Big 12 Commissioner Yormark Raises Tough Decisions for Fans at Sparse Title Game
ARLINGTON, Texas — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark sparked a debate on the difficult choices fans must make in the wake of the expanded postseason format. As the Big 12 championship game unfolded at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, fans were met with the decision of which games to attend in this new era of college football.
The championship game featured No. 12 Arizona State facing off against the 16th-ranked Iowa State in a high-stakes matchup. The victor would secure a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, likely entering as the 12th seed or as one of the four teams playing at their opponent’s home turf in the opening round.
Yormark highlighted the challenge faced by fans, emphasizing the increased number of games required to clinch the championship. With the addition of the conference championship and potential first-round playoff games at away venues, fans are now tasked with prioritizing their attendance at each crucial match.
Commitment to Conference Title Games
Despite the concerns raised by the new playoff format, Yormark affirmed the significance of conference title games. While some have suggested that certain conferences might benefit from forgoing these games to bolster their playoff chances, Yormark remains steadfast in his support for the tradition.
For teams like SMU, facing Clemson in the ACC championship game, the stakes are high, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The intense competition in the Big 12, where the top four teams finished with two conference losses each, adds to the drama of the conference title game.
Future Possibilities and Considerations
Looking ahead, Yormark hinted at potential changes to the championship game format. While the Big 12 has a long-standing agreement to host the title game at AT&T Stadium until 2031, the idea of the top seed hosting the game has been floated as a possible alternative.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by fans, including travel constraints and financial considerations, Yormark emphasized the need to strike a balance between tradition and practicality in the evolving landscape of college football.
Historical Context and Record Attendances
The Big 12 championship game has seen a mix of highs and lows in terms of attendance over the years. While the game has drawn record crowds in the past, such as the 84,523 spectators at the 2020 matchup between Texas and Oklahoma State, there have also been instances of sparse attendance, notably during the 2017 game between Oklahoma and TCU.
Yormark’s comments on the playoff positioning and comparisons with Group of Five conferences further underscore the competitive nature of college football and the complexities involved in the selection process. As the season progresses, fans and teams alike will await the decisions of the selection committee with anticipation and uncertainty.
In a sport where every game counts and every decision matters, the landscape of college football continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities for fans, players, and administrators alike. As the Big 12 championship game unfolds, the future of the sport hangs in the balance, awaiting the verdict of the playoff selection committee.
