FWST: Numbers show larger-than-expected benefit to Big 12 expansion, per report

The numbers pointing toward a benefit in the Big 12’s annual College Football Playoff pursuits for an expanded league have taken another jump, based on a CBSSports.com report.

Information will be presented today in Phoenix to Big 12 administrators and football coaches from independent researchers showing the league has a 10 to 15 percent better chance of reaching the CFP in a given year if it expands from its 10-team model and holds a conference championship game in football. The new numbers represent an increase from a Monday report of a 4 to 5 percent uptick for an expanded league.

The CBS report said the smaller increase, discussed Monday by Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby with reporters covering spring meetings that include representatives from multiple conferences, reflected only the impact of adding a championship game rather than a title game plus expansion. …