Paul Finebaum explains what he'd do if he was the ACC, Big 12 in current college football landscape

There’s a separation between the SEC and Big Ten and then the remaining leagues in college athletics, namely the two other power leagues in the ACC and the Big 12. That’s why Paul Finebaum believes they need to get in and get out of these key aspects about the sport right now with no less, yet no more, than they deserve.

On ‘McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning’ on Monday, Finebaum was asked what he’d do if he were Jim Phillips in the ACC or Brett Yormark in the Big 12 as far as positioning themselves as part of the future, specifically in regards to the College Football Playoff. He felt, based on what little sway they do have, they should do all they can to get out of those discussions with as good of a deal as they can for their conferences without further hurting their positions.

“They’re both really smart people. I know one of them extremely well and like them – and I’m just saying that because what I’m about to say may sound crass and cruel. But, I would get along and try to make sure you get exactly what you laid out (in the CFP),” said Finebaum. “They don’t have a lot of leverage. I don’t mean to sound like the president trying to make a deal but that’s exactly what we’re doing here. We’re making a deal and, quite frankly, they’re getting more than they probably deserve.”

“Quite frankly, if they get a couple of (automatic qualifiers), that’s probably more than they deserve,” Finebaum said. “I know I’m lighting the torch that we had going on last December but, I mean, it was a frustrating couple of days talking to every commissioner and football coaches at the best league in this country and, at a high point, try to act like we have to make sure that SMU gets an equal opportunity. Well, that’s not what this is all about anymore.”

Takes like these are all over coming out of spring meetings to end last month with the ACC in Amelia Island, the SEC in Destin, and the Big 12 in Orlando. Those were amidst the topic that came up throughout the month of May with the expansion of the CFP to either a 14-team or a 16-team model. Either model, regardless of the kind of seeding, the involvement of play-in games, or whatever else is included as part of it, would likely still lean the way, in total number of teams over time or in a given year, of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten over the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12.

Almost none of the options are ones that will be too, too favorable for the ACC and Big 12. Because of that, Finebaum thinks being cooperative in all of this is how they come out best in the end.

“Get a piece, try to get along, don’t try to tick off everybody by playing good of the game, nonsensical coordinated statements and make sure you represent your league as best you can,” said Finebaum. “That’s all they can do.”