This weekend is why we watch college football, a 24-team CFP ruins it

Key Points:

• This past Saturday saw major upsets in college football, with five of the top eight AP Poll teams losing, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability fans cherish each fall.
• The author emphasizes that much of college football's appeal comes from fans "hate-watching" powerhouse teams lose, creating a shared experience fueled by real stakes and consequences in the regular season.
• The upcoming expansion to a 24-team College Football Playoff (CFP) threatens to dilute this excitement by reducing the impact of losses, potentially allowing teams with multiple defeats to compete for the national title.
• The article warns that this change, along with other recent shifts like conference realignments and the Protect College Sports Act, risks making college football more like the NFL—less meaningful regular seasons and diminished fan engagement.
• Ultimately, the author laments the loss of the traditional high-stakes, passionate Saturdays in college football, fearing the sport will lose its unique identity and emotional intensity.