Brian Kelly defends endorsement of 12-team playoff

LSU is a prime example of a squad that a 12-team College Football Playoff field would have benefitted this season.

The Tigers had a legitimate shot at making the CFP coming into the regular season finale. Ranked No. 5 heading into their matchup against Texas A&M last weekend, a victory and subsequent SEC Championship would have firmly slotted the Tigers into a top-four spot. Instead, they were handled by the Aggies and are ranked No. 14 heading into conference title week.

A win over No. 1 Georgia would surely put LSU into the top 12, in turn earning the Tigers a spot in the new CFP. Instead, they’ll be looking to salvage a New Year’s Six bowl.

Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, a noted fan of the expansion, discussed how it can help programs like LSU complete for a CFP berth on a yearly basis.

“I just like more access, I guess. I’m a Division II football coach. I grew up with more teams involved in the playoffs. I liked that atmosphere,” Kelly said. “I don’t know that I have any kind of earth-shattering statement on it, I just like more access. I think you get some playoff games on campus, you involve the bowl games, keep them involved in it. I think it keeps more teams in the hunt as the season goes on in terms of vying for playoff spots. I think it’s exciting for college football.

“I don’t think in any way it takes away from the championship, the conference championships. We’ll see how that goes. That’s certainly up for discussion. Excited about the growth. I think it just keeps obviously the interest in the playoff chase further into the season.”

Even with LSU’s 2022 playoff chances out the window, the Tigers still have a chance to salvage their season by stealing a SEC Championship under the nose of the reigning national champions. Kickoff between the Tigers and Bulldogs is set for 4 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta live on CBS.