Dan Lanning Criticizes Lengthy CFP Schedule, Calls for December Saturdays

In the realm of college football, the College Football Playoff (CFP) schedule keeps sparking debate. Fans, players, and coaches are getting frustrated with the long gaps between games that seem to throw teams off their rhythm.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning has been especially outspoken on this topic. He’s floated a few ideas for changing up the CFP calendar to keep the spirit of college football Saturdays alive.

Let’s dig into what Lanning’s saying and what his suggestions might mean for the future of the sport.

Dan Lanning’s Critique of the Current CFP Schedule

Lanning, who leads the Oregon Ducks, hasn’t minced words about the CFP schedule. He thinks it drags on way too long.

He’s pointed out that teams with first-round byes end up sitting around for weeks. That kind of downtime, he says, kills momentum.

Last season, every team with a first-round bye lost their first playoff game. It’s hard not to wonder if that’s more than just coincidence.

The Impact of Long Gaps Between Games

Lanning’s not wrong to be concerned. These long breaks can mess with a team’s flow and performance.

He’s even said that playing in the first round helped Oregon stay sharp, even though the Ducks weren’t thrilled with their 51-34 win over James Madison. Maybe staying active matters more than people realize.

Proposed Changes to the CFP Schedule

So, what’s Lanning actually proposing? He’s got a few ideas:

• Playoff games every weekend: He wants playoff games happening every weekend, no exceptions. That way, teams keep their edge and don’t have time to go stale.
• Start Week 0 or eliminate a bye: Lanning’s also floated starting the season earlier or just ditching a bye week. The goal? Wrap things up by January 1 and make the schedule less of a slog.
• Align with transfer portal and coaching changes: Ending the season sooner would help players and coaches with transitions—think transfer portal, staff changes, and all that chaos.

Challenges with the Current Schedule

The current CFP calendar doesn’t just mess with the games themselves. It also clashes with stuff like coaching changes and the transfer portal.

Lanning’s talked about how hard it is for coaches to move to new programs or start building new staffs with the season dragging on so late. Players, meanwhile, are stuck juggling visits, portal decisions, and schoolwork.

The NFL’s Influence on College Football

Lanning’s also not thrilled about how much sway the NFL holds over college football’s schedule. He thinks college football has given up too much ground, especially in December.

Saturdays in December, he argues, should belong to college football. It’s part of what makes the sport special.

Preserving College Football’s Identity

College football, in Lanning’s eyes, acts as a feeder league for the NFL but doesn’t get any financial support back. Giving up December Saturdays? That just chips away at what makes college football unique.

He wants to see those Saturdays reclaimed. It’s about keeping the sport’s traditions and giving fans what they love.

The Ducks are set to play the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl. Whoever wins heads to the CFP Semifinal at the Peach Bowl.

That matchup could end up putting another spotlight on the current schedule’s flaws. And honestly, it’s hard not to wonder if change is coming sooner rather than later.

Potential Benefits of a Revised Schedule

Adopting Lanning’s proposed changes could bring some real benefits to college football. Here’s what stands out:

• Maintained team momentum: Regular games would help teams keep their edge and stay in sync.
• Smoother transitions: Ending the season in line with the transfer portal and coaching shifts could make life a bit easier for both players and coaches.
• Enhanced fan experience: Getting December Saturdays back for college football? That would keep fans locked in and help the sport hold onto its unique vibe.

If you’re curious about Dan Lanning’s full comments and ideas, check out the article on OutKick. There’s plenty more to dig into there.