The 5-11 is better for the SEC, and auto multi-bid is better for the B10. Remember, Fox lies in bed with the B10, and ESPN’s best college property is the SEC (the ACC is a distant second). ESPN also has a CFP contract. The SEC is very good, but ESPN continually promotes the SEC, which had and will help them get many at-large bids. Would the B10 want to receive a smaller number of bids than the SEC potentially year in and year out? On the other hand, the 4-4-2-2-1 (or any other auto multi-bid format) assumes that the B10 and the SEC are on equal footing. Not only that, it’s likely that Fox will broadcast the Big Ten’s play-in games during the current CCG week. This would be a potential boon for Fox and the Big Ten. Think about this: ESPN opposed the idea of 4-4-2-2-1, while Fox mouthpiece Joel Klatt endorsed it. It’s clear which conference/network prefers which model. Look at my posting history. I have been saying this. ** Edited by RandomAsianGuy at 1/25/2026, 3:18:02 PM ** Edited by RandomAsianGuy at 1/26/2026, 8:33:10 AM