
The College Football Playoff's expansion to 12 teams this season has changed the equation for teams looking to make the field, especially when it comes to conference championship games. For teams in leagues like the Big 12 and ACC, which may only receive single bids to the Playoff, winning the title game is essential. For the top teams in leagues like the SEC and Big Ten, some believe getting extra rest and avoiding a potential third loss on the résumé outweighs the benefits of potentially winning a conference championship and securing a bye as a top-four seed in the Playoff.
According to Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, some of his SEC counterparts are among that group.