Part 2/8:
One contentious issue arises from the requirement that conference champions be prioritized in playoff seeding. This rule has significant implications, especially for teams like Notre Dame that wish to remain independent. Unlike others, the Fighting Irish cannot be considered for a bye position in the playoff format due to their non-conference affiliation, which some argue is a disadvantage given their noteworthy performance throughout the season.
Who Deserves the Bye?
Assuming the committee could operate without the constraints of conference affiliations, the question becomes: which four teams should qualify for a bye week? The consensus leans heavily towards teams like Oregon and Texas, who have demonstrated superior performance.