Columnist Argues College Football Playoff Expansion Far Worse Than NCAA Tournament's

Fans and pundits have voiced widespread disgust on social media over expansions to both the College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament, the top money sports in college athletics.

The NCAA Tournament has grown to 76 teams. The CFP committee is discussing a jump to 24 teams.

Both changes offend fans of college sports tradition. But one stands out as far worse.

A proposal to expand the NCAA Tournament has reached final stages, according to a report. The move is a money grab and insult to fans. Still, it pales next to a 24-team CFP.

Numbers tell the story. March Madness adds eight teams, a 12% increase from 68 in a tournament already stretched thin.

A 24-team CFP would double the field, a 100% jump.

College football's regular season has fewer games than basketball's. Colleague Ian Miller notes a bigger playoff would further water down that season.

Every extra playoff spot cuts regular-season stakes. College football boasts the best regular season in sports. That makes the threat huge.

James Madison and Tulane got crushed in recent playoff games. Picture Virginia, Georgia Tech and Navy joining them.

Basketball suits single-elimination better. Upsets happen.

In football, top teams dominate the lines. Cinderellas rarely advance deep.

Basketball needs one hot shooting day for David to beat Goliath in March.

The playoff's rapid growth alarms. Four teams existed a few years back, and many fans liked it. Reaching 24 in under five years feels off.

The NCAA field hit 76 after 15 years of gradual adds, four teams at a time.

Expansion hurts both sports. But the two cases differ sharply.

Decision-makers ignore real fans.