DALLAS, Texas – On Friday, the College Football Playoff committee officially announced its plans to expand to 12 teams. For SMU, this news could not have come at a more perfect time as they head into their first game of the season against UNT on Saturday.
In its announcement, the CFP released details on the new format. The 12 teams will be the six conference champions ranked highest by the selection committee, plus the six highest-ranked teams not included among the six highest-ranked conference champions. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and each will receive a first-round bye, while the other eight teams play first-round games at campus sites. Quarterfinal and semifinal games will be played at bowl game sites.
SMU athletic director Rick Hart is one of many at SMU excited about the news. “Today’s expansion of the College Football Playoff from the current format of four teams to 12 teams is exciting for the entire sport, but even more so for SMU,” Hart said in a statement. “The fact that the six highest rated conference champions are guaranteed a playoff spot is a major victory for us, providing a level of access that has been lacking for SMU and so many programs.”
SMU kicks off their season on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. against UNT at Apogee Stadium in Denton. This will be the 42nd meeting between the two teams, and if the Mustangs can secure a victory this will be their fourth consecutive win over UNT.
