Big 12 Implements Rule, Teams Must Schedule Power 5 Opponents

As fans, we’re getting our wish. Sort of. Nobody really knows when, though.

The Big 12 will require teams to schedule at least one team from a Power 5 conference (Big 10, SEC, Pac-12 and ACC) in the future. The reasons are many, but there’s one glaring one as commissioner Bob Bowlsby pointed out.

“Schedule strength is a key component in CFP selection committee deliberations,” said Bowlsby. “This move will strengthen the resumes for all Big 12 teams. Coupled with the nine-game full round robin conference schedule our teams play, it will not only benefit the teams at the top of our standings each season, but will impact the overall strength of the conference.”

So the Big 12 will be required to play 10 Power 5 teams every year. Look at how that stacks up.

Average number of Power 5 opponents (+BYU & ND) per team for each conference
Pac-12 (9.92)
Big 12 (9.80)
AAC (9.50)
B1G (9.36)
SEC (8.86)

— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) November 12, 2015

The SEC gets away with this because not many people realize the Pac-12 and Big 12 are already playing nine conference games. Of course, the flip side of this is that the Big 12 doesn’t have an extra game at the end of the season for the conference crown. This shouldn’t be a problem for Oklahoma State. On the docket …

2016: Pittsburgh
2017: Pittsburgh
2018: None
2019: Oregon State
2020: Oregon State

Colin Cowherd also made the point about the Big 12 already being a conference that plays other Power 5 teams. I also agree that it helps the Big 12’s reputation which, as long as we’re going to have the CFP committee, is going to matter.

.@ColinCowherd & @KristineLeahy applaud the Big 12's scheduling change. #TheHerdhttps://t.co/Hmppkeqt98

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 8, 2015

The Big 12 also noted that teams can’t play more than one FCS team a year. How about we make that none? And per the usual, the Big 12 has no idea what it is doing.

Couple of Big 12 ADs said BYU & Army would count toward Big 12’s non-league Power 5 requirement but Big 12 spokesman says they do not

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 8, 2015