Urban Meyer calls for uniform scheduling to fix ‘failed’ College Football Playoff

The former Ohio State coach called the playoff a “failed system” and blamed a lack of uniform scheduling for the format’s difficulties.

“It’s failed system right now,” Meyer said, via Garrett Stepien of 247 Sports. “It’s good and I think it’s done a good job. However, the No. 1 issue is uniform scheduling. Some team’s conferences (such as the Big Ten) are playing nine games, some eight. Some teams never go on the road, some teams play weak schedules. And then you hear things about subjectivity, like the look test. And my head wants to pop off my shoulder when I hear that — like, who is equipped to make that decision? What are you looking at? Do you understand, when you play a great team on the road — LSU goes to Texas to play (Sept. 7 and the Tigers win 45-38 at the Longhorns’ homefield in Week 2) — that’s much more difficult than playing at home when you’re picked to win by 55 points.”

Meyer urged teams to schedule home-and-home games which are better for everyone involved as opposed to guarantee games against FCS opponents.

“I’ve been on the other side,” Meyer said. “That’s not safe for the players, playing that game. What are you doing? Don’t do that. And I’m not saying don’t ever schedule and FCS, but don’t get rewarded for it. If you get rewarded for a look test, it’s not because you put up 350 yards against a team that’s not very good. Uniform scheduling, play a Power Five home-and-home, and whether you go four-team or eight-team, I think the subjectivity is going to be minimized because of you’re playing a similar schedule.”

Many argue that the playoff needs to be expanded, and there are rumblings it’s at least possible. Meyer’s point is that won’t matter while some teams are playing much easier schedules than others. He’s likely correct.