Because of the larger conferences but still only 8 or 9 conference games, it will be easier for some top teams to hide from additional losses.
For instance,
- none of Alabama, LSU, or Tennessee play Texas.
- Penn State doesn't play Oregon or Michigan.
- Oregon doesn't play Penn State or USC.
- None of Miami, Clemson, or SMU play each other.
- BYU doesn't play Iowa State or Texas Tech.
- Texas Tech doesn't play Kansas State.
So, you will have more scenarios that will allow more one-loss and two-loss teams than ever before.