afraid those days are behind us forever - money is the issue. Since money is the issue, go to 24 playoff teams, and schedule the tough non conference games. No casual fan want to tune into a Cincy Baylor game unless they are both ranked, have playoff implications, or just happens to be an entertaining game because all of the other games on at the same time are blowouts. Who wants that? By going to 24, scheduling tough OOC conference games that people want to see becomes easier, because that loss would not disqualify you from making the playoffs. As an example, have VT schedule TT. Schedule KU against Duke or UNC for those basketball junkie casual fan. It would also make it easier for a Tennessee to schedule VT, as that loss is not devastating for either school as it pertains to the playoffs. At a 24 playoff format, it makes it easier for the P2 +2 to schedule OOC games the people want to see, that will increase ratings, and those ratings numbers could give the conferences more leverage as these media deals get reshuffled every 5 years or so. There would be no disadvantage for the SEC schools to schedule VT more often, and vice versa. There are a lot of rivalries that have been turned upside down because of realignment, and those could be fully reengaged if it doesn't kill your playoff aspirations - which is now the goal in football. Winning the conference means nothing unless it effects the seedings an/or home games in the first round - and any conference can make the higher ranked school the champion if there is a tie. Instead of 10 conference games, go to 8, and reward those that schedule the tough games OOC. (just my 2 cents). Allow up to 2 games a season for a G6, especially instate ones across the board, and eliminate FCS games all together.