Chris Klieman: Schedule Tweaks Will Boost Big 12 Playoff Chances
Big 12 football fans have a lot to look forward to after Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman recently weighed in on changes to the conference’s scheduling. Klieman expressed optimism that tweaks aimed at balancing competitiveness and expanding opportunities will position more Big 12 teams to contend for College Football Playoff (CFP) berths.
The Big 12 has historically been one of the more competitive conferences in college football, but it has struggled to consistently send teams to the playoff. With the CFP expanding to 12 teams starting in the 2024 season, conference officials and coaches are revisiting scheduling practices to align with the new format. Klieman believes that these adjustments are timely and necessary.
A Strategic Move
In his comments, Klieman highlighted how small changes in scheduling could have a big impact on the playoff picture. “If we can avoid situations where teams beat up on each other too much, we’ll see more teams in the playoff conversation,” he said. The Big 12’s round-robin format, which guarantees that every team plays each other during the season, has been a double-edged sword. While it ensures a fair determination of the conference champion, it can also lead to teams accumulating multiple losses, diminishing their national ranking.
“You’re going to see a focus on balancing the schedule and ensuring teams have pathways to the playoff without compromising the integrity of our competition,” Klieman added.
Expansion Benefits
The expanded CFP is a game-changer for conferences like the Big 12. Under the new format, the top six conference champions will earn automatic bids, with six additional at-large spots available. This shift alleviates the pressure of finishing in the top four, which has historically been dominated by SEC and Big Ten programs.
For the Big 12, the new structure means that even a two-loss team could be in contention for a playoff berth, provided they’ve performed well against a competitive schedule. “The expanded playoff format levels the playing field in some ways,” Klieman noted. “We’re going to see more representation from conferences like ours.”
Non-Conference Play Matters
Another area of focus is non-conference scheduling. Klieman and other Big 12 coaches have emphasized the importance of striking the right balance between challenging matchups and winnable games. “You want to prove your team against high-caliber opponents, but you also need to position yourself for success,” he said.
Kansas State’s own scheduling philosophy illustrates this approach. The Wildcats have faced a mix of Power Five and Group of Five opponents in recent years, preparing them for the grind of Big 12 play while giving them opportunities to secure key wins.
Managing Depth and Development
Klieman also pointed out that scheduling adjustments could help teams better manage player development and depth. “A brutal schedule can take a toll on your roster by the end of the season,” he explained. By spreading out high-intensity matchups and incorporating strategic bye weeks, teams can stay fresher and more competitive.
This consideration is especially critical in the Big 12, where parity often reigns supreme. “There’s no such thing as an easy week in this league,” Klieman said. “We need to ensure our teams are set up to succeed not just in November but in December and beyond.”
Looking Ahead
As the Big 12 prepares for the expanded playoff era, the conference’s leadership and coaching staff are united in their commitment to maximizing opportunities for success. The upcoming changes are expected to make the league more competitive on a national scale.
For Kansas State and its head coach, the future looks bright. Klieman’s Wildcats are coming off a strong season and are poised to be perennial contenders under his leadership. With a favorable scheduling strategy and the expanded playoff format, the Wildcats and other Big 12 teams could find themselves in the thick of the national title race more often.
In closing, Klieman’s remarks underscore the optimism surrounding the Big 12’s new direction. “This is a great time for our conference,” he said. “The changes we’re making will allow us to compete at the highest level and showcase the incredible talent we have in the Big 12.”
As fans eagerly await the 2024 season, the anticipation for the Big 12’s resurgence in the national spotlight has never been higher.
