When a Power Four conference (SEC, BIG10, BIG12, and ACC) schedule a game against a team in the Group of Five (AAC, CUSA, MAC, MW, and SBC) or worse, fans can easily get irritated. The irritation comes from the fact that these games simply do not make good TV.
These games tend to be put on the networks that not many people have on regular cable. Normally by halftime, these games are already out of hand and reserves are on the field. However, it is better for the sport than fans might think.
Power Four vs Group of Five is what college football occasionally needs
Just a few days ago it was announced that the Georgia Bulldogs will be playing the Akron Zips in 2029 in Athens. To be able to play Akron, the University of Georgia is reportedly paying the Akron program $1.5 million dollars.
You can look at this fact one of two ways. You can be frustrated at the fact that Georgia is paying for a win, or you can be glad in knowing that the money paid for that game will go to benefit a smaller school.
That $1.5 million might be a drop in the bucket to Georgia's budget, but that is a drastic change to a school like Akron. That money can be used for recruiting costs, athletic facility upgrades, and so much more. That money can greatly impact the lives of those students that reap the benefits. With a new era of NIL spending, it also helps even the playing field of college football and recruiting.
It is a win-win for both programs. Georgia earns revenue just the same as any other game because they still get the concessions and ticket sales. While ticket prices drop due to the game not being as highly anticipated as other matchups, it gives those diehard Georgia fans who do not have the funds to attend a high stakes game an opportunity to see their team play.
For reference, the lowest ticket price currently to attend Georgia's home game against Oklahoma is nearly $300. The price for the season opener against Tennessee State this year is $47, a huge difference in price for a family of four to pay well over $1,200 to attend a football game.
Though home and home series like Florida State have gotten cancelled due to the SEC conference play increasing from 8 to 9 games a season, it is a good sign for college football to still have games like this. Until NIL spending is managed and regulated on a better level, it is critical for these smaller schools to still have said games.
So next time you see one of these games on your football team's schedule, be happy in knowing it is going for a good cause. The cause of college football as a whole.
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