Does the championship game necessarily equal expansion?

[lapper2]

It is possible that the league will not expand to 12 members and still retain the round robin format. IF (and it is a big if) the Big 12 is predicting that the CFP will be expanding to 8 teams in the near future, it may be a strong move to add the championship game and not expand.

If the CFP expands--Power 5 champions and best non power 5 team assured entry with 2 at large berths. The Big 12 is assured entry of the champion along with the probable entry of champion game loser IF an upset occurs. The same can not be said for the other Power 5 leagues.

This is because, in most instances, the other leagues will not have the best 2 teams playing in the championship game. Just look to the SEC the last few years for examples. Very unlikely Alabama makes the CFP as an at-large if they lose to MU or Florida in an expanded system. With divisional formats it is VERY likely the best 2 teams do not reside in the same division. Thus, the upset looks worse for the higher ranked team. Conversely,the Big 12 will have the best 2 teams playing for a berth which will give the upset loser (when this occurs) a better shot at entry to the CFP over similar situations from the other Power 5 leagues.

Just a thought.