Sports

Mike Leach Uses Kentucky Derby To Offer College Football Playoff Suggestion

#College Football
by

Getty Image


  • Mike Leach offered a suggestion for the College Football Playoff following the Kentucky Derby
  • Fans and media reacted, with many supporting the Mississippi State head coach
  • Read more COLLEGE FOOTBALL news here

Mike Leach has always been one to speak his mind.

Whether the topic be Sasquatch or pirates, the Mississippi State head coach is insistent on offering his opinion for the rest of the world to hear. On Saturday, Leach spoke on College Football Playoff expansion and he’s using the Kentucky Derby as his arguing point.

This weekend’s Derby saw longshot Rich Strike take home the first-place honors, edging out favorites Zandon and Epicenter. Rich Strike’s odds upon entering the race ranged anywhere 80-1 to 100-1.

That upset victory was used as an example by Leach in his push for expansion in college football’s postseason.

Mike Leach uses Kentucky Derby results as College Football Playoff talking point

Leach used the huge upset as a speaking point for expanding the current College Football Playoff field. He notes that the Kentucky Derby winner would not have been given a chance had only the heavy favorites been invited. Rich Strike was given a chance though, and he proved that he could compete with the rest of the field.

“That horse winning the Kentucky Derby today, is good example of why an expanded college football playoff is needed. That horse hadn’t won all the races leading up, but it got its chance and that’s what happened.”

There are obviously two sides to the argument.

Yes, expanding the postseason gives more opportunities for programs to make a run at a national title, especially a team like Mississippi State, which isn’t a perennial championship contender. And sometimes, a chance is all you need.

On the other hand, much of the College Football Playoff has been uncompetitive, even with the field restricted to four participants. Would adding more, lower rated teams make the product better? No one wants to watch a blowout.

After the comment, fans and media weighed in with their opinions.

Fans and media react to Mike Leach’s comments on social media

Not everyone agreed with the head coach, though. There are still many that would like to keep the playoff format the same.

There have been talks of opening up the College Football Playoff, expanding to as many as 12 teams. The debate will continue for as long as the field stays at four teams, but at least we know where Leach stands.