I understand why many in here are ripping on the Big 12. Part of the problem is conference realignment. The chase for TV money created a lot of mediocrity and uneven scheduling throughout every conference. The Big 12 has (in my opinion) 12 average to good teams, but no great teams.
From a fans perspective, that is awesome. A school like ISU can win the conference and get into the CFP. Every week is a winnable game.
Iowa fans like to mock ISU + the Big 12. Fine. Its a rivalry. At the same time, ISU is doing the same Iowa has done several times- beat who is on your schedule. I dont recall any Hawk fans complaining when they did the same thing.
K State will be a very tough game, and (based upon how they are playing), will be surprised if they win. Im just excited to be have a shot at the conference title game. If they lose, I wont complain about 9-3 and a decent bowl game.
I do agree with some who argue the Big 12 does not deserve an automatic bid. Once you pick your 12 teams, seed them like the NCAA basketball tournament does.
With all the upsets yesterday (Alabama, Ole Miss), it will be interesting how the CFP rankings look like on Tuesday. How many 3 loss SEC teams will get in? No matter what, there will be controversy. The 12 CFP teams were largely set before the season started - except for a team like Indiana. What happens on the field should matter, but for some teams a loss doesnt hurt them.