The Shifting Landscape of College Football Rivalries: Beyond TCU vs. Arizona State
A seemingly minor series revival – the recent matchups between TCU and Arizona State – hints at a much larger trend reshaping college football: the strategic re-evaluation of non-conference scheduling. While historic rivalries once dominated calendars, athletic departments are increasingly prioritizing revenue-generating games and minimizing risk, potentially eroding the fabric of traditional matchups. This isn’t just about two schools; it’s a bellwether for the future of the sport.
The Economics Driving Schedule Changes
The financial pressures on college athletic programs are immense, particularly with the advent of the transfer portal and the need to fund Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Games against Power Five opponents, even those without deep-rooted history, offer guaranteed payouts that smaller programs – and even some within the Power Five – find irresistible. The TCU-Arizona State series, while possessing some past intrigue, ultimately became a financial transaction for both sides. This trend is accelerating, as evidenced by the increasing number of “buy games” where larger schools pay smaller ones to fill out their schedules.
The Rise of the “Guaranteed Rate” Game
The term “guaranteed rate” has become commonplace in college football circles, referring to the fee a Power Five program pays a smaller school for a game. These games, while providing financial stability for the smaller school, often lack competitive balance and fan interest. According to research from the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, payouts for these games have increased dramatically in recent years, further incentivizing this practice. The Knight Commission provides extensive data on these financial trends.
Beyond Revenue: Risk Mitigation and Conference Realignment
It’s not just about money. Conference realignment has dramatically altered the landscape, creating new rivalries and diminishing the importance of old ones. With the focus shifting to conference championships and College Football Playoff berths, non-conference games are increasingly viewed as potential stumbling blocks. A surprising loss to an unranked opponent can derail a season, making athletic directors hesitant to schedule challenging non-conference matchups. **College football scheduling** is becoming a calculated risk assessment, rather than a celebration of tradition.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal adds another layer of complexity. Teams are more volatile than ever, making it difficult to predict future strength of schedule. A program that appears to be a safe bet today might be rebuilding next year, making a previously attractive matchup less appealing. This uncertainty further encourages schools to prioritize guaranteed revenue over potentially risky, but historically significant, games.
Preserving Tradition in a Changing World
The erosion of traditional rivalries isn’t inevitable, but it requires proactive measures. One potential solution is the creation of protected slots on schedules for historically significant matchups. Conferences could mandate that each member school maintain a certain number of games against its traditional rivals, even if it means forgoing a larger payout. Another approach is to explore creative scheduling models, such as rotating series or regional alliances. The future of college football hinges on finding a balance between financial realities and the preservation of its rich history.
The TCU-Arizona State example, while seemingly isolated, is a microcosm of a larger shift. The sport is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will determine whether future generations will experience the same passion and excitement for college football rivalries that fans have enjoyed for decades. What steps can be taken to ensure that tradition doesn’t become a casualty of the modern game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
