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Ohio State

Ryan Day wants to see consistency in college football scheduling

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•07/10/23•

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Photo by Scott Taetsch | Getty Images

As we enter a new era of college football, there is still no uniform schedule across conferences. The Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12 are all-in on nine-game conference schedules, while the ACC and SEC currently sit at eight. We could see the SEC move to nine in the near future but for now, Greg Sankey is sticking to eight through the 2024 season.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day gave his thoughts on the topic, saying he wants some consistency throughout the sport. He did say the nine-game Big Ten schedule is “great” but making sure there is alignment in college football is important for Day.

“I just think it should be consistent,” Day said. “I do think having nine games is great… As long as it’s consistent across the board, I think that’s what’s critical.”

With the way college football is moving, the Big Ten and SEC are really the Power Two, compared to the old Power Five. The latter playing one less conference game would cause quite a stir, especially when an FCS opponent is the replacement.

Those across Big Ten country are likely hoping the SEC adopts a nine-game schedule.

Part of the reason Day himself likes playing the nine conference games compared to eight is because of where the College Football Playoff is heading. He believes quality wins are going to be more important with 12 teams compared to four. Simply having a better record will not carry as much weight in Day’s opinion.

“I think the quality wins will be important as we move into the playoff era,” Day said. “I think certain wins are going to mean a lot more. It won’t look like March Madness when it comes to that but having quality wins will be important. Not just number of wins or losses.

“You can set your schedule up to where you get a certain amount of wins and at the end of the year, that looks a lot better than a one or two-loss team but they may be better in the end. I think the idea is to get the best teams into the playoff.”

We will have some clarity on scheduling ahead of the 2025 season, at least from the SEC. If they do move to a nine-game schedule, that would leave just the ACC at eight games. Getting closer to the solution Day wants in the sport.