Frederick: A 24-team college football playoff would be a game changer for Gophers … and many others

Huntington Bank Stadium rocked to deafening levels last Saturday as Minnesota knocked off Michigan at home for the first time since 1977. Jace Frederick Fans stormed the field and created a celebration that as Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said college football is all about. This sport boils down to meaningful games and results that produce life-lasting memories. Those are what generate true passion and allegiance. Which is why the college football playoff expanding to 24 teams — as it is poised to do as early as next season — would be a home run for Minnesota, and so many other programs in its position. Reasonable minds can assume the Gophers are not going to win a national championship at any point in the foreseeable future. And with no Big Ten West division title left to pursue, what are the grand aspirations for which programs that regularly reside in the top 30-50 range? Right now, it s rivalry trophies and wins against ranked opponents, and that s e