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I would normally say "things are cyclical" but in this instance the interest and money are so heavily-weighted in the South and to a lesser extent, the Midwest. The new SEC TV deal with ESPN is only going to exacerbate the disparity. NIL may end up following the interest, which has a chance to widen the gap.

CFB desperately needs USCw (or Oregon as a lesser substitute) to be contenders, to at least maintain a semblance of national interest.

Agreed. I think parity within the SEC will get a little better once Saban retires. Even right now with LSU, UF, UGA, A&M all recruiting great classes, it still doesn't make a difference most of the time.

However, the bigger issue is nationally. The landscape has changed so much since the 80s/90s/early 2000s where some conferences (SEC) and schools (OSU, Clemson) have gone all in to win. While many of the old traditional powers like a USC or Miami, have an administration and student body that doesn't care.

While normally I would say, let the market sort itself out, the issue is by doing nothing and having Bama play Clemson every year for the title, completely chips away at overall national interest. And in the long run, sooner or later, everyone is going to lose because when interest dwindles, people care less, spend less, ad dollars become less.

So - I do think something has to be done. I agree with the scholarship reductions as that will help. I'm torn on the playoff expansion because right now, do I really think teams 5-8 have a shot? Not really. But - if it helps provide a glimmer of hope and helps interest, I'm for it.

And to anyone who says it doesn't matter, fan interest will be there, etc. I think you're wrong. Title game ratings were the lowest ever for the BCS era. Virtually the entire West Coast could give two shits about college ball. Attendance was already an issue pre-covid with tickets, concessions, parking all getting out of control. And I can't imagine post-covid is going to be much better.

So if the people in charge want parity to return, then actions need to be taken. And just waiting for Saban to retire and Dabo to move on to the NFL isn't a plan.