However, there is a major scheduling conflict with the NFL that has concerned many football fans. The two aforementioned Saturday contests are during the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
The article from Athlon Sports discusses the scheduling conflict between the NFL and the College Football Playoff (CFP) that has fans concerned. The NFL has scheduled games on December 21, which coincides with the CFP semifinals, creating a direct competition for viewership. This overlap is particularly problematic as it not only splits the audience but also potentially diminishes the viewership for both events. Fans and analysts are worried about the implications for college football, especially since the NFL's decision to play on this day could overshadow the CFP semifinals, which are crucial games leading up to the national championship. The article highlights the frustration among college football enthusiasts and the potential long-term impact on the sport's visibility and appeal, especially with the NFL's growing dominance in scheduling and viewership.