[Goose]

A one-loss conference champion is going to get in unless all 5 champions have at most one loss.

Pretty much true. If there are 4 conference champions with 1 or fewer loses, I think we would all agree that is the correct choice, unless there is a Notre Dame (or equivalent) that is unbeaten. Then, the water is a bit muddier, but even in that case, the conference championship and extra game could be used as justification. That isn't the interesting case. It is all the other outcomes that stir up interest! This year, it is quite possible we will have 2 (or 3) undefeated conference champions and 2 (or 3) with one loss, with ND also at one loss. OTOH, we could also have two conferences with champions that have 2 losses. These, and lots of others, are the ones that stir up opinion. Lots of football still to be played, but it could produce a real mess. As I understand it, Shaw has been an advocate for an 8 team playoff from the beginning. I think that makes a lot of sense. You may get one or two teams involved that have no chance to win it all, but you would for sure get everybody that does have a real shot. 6 may not be enough in some special cases, like if an exceptionally good team gets beat in the conference championship game. You may still want them involved. 8 is enough.

[Goose]

A one-loss conference champion is going to get in unless all 5 champions have at most one loss.

Pretty much true. If there are 4 conference champions with 1 or fewer loses, I think we would all agree that is the correct choice, unless there is a Notre Dame (or equivalent) that is unbeaten. Then, the water is a bit muddier, but even in that case, the conference championship and extra game could be used as justification. That isn't the interesting case. It is all the other outcomes that stir up interest! This year, it is quite possible we will have 2 (or 3) undefeated conference champions and 2 (or 3) with one loss, with ND also at one loss. OTOH, we could also have two conferences with champions that have 2 losses. These, and lots of others, are the ones that stir up opinion. Lots of football still to be played, but it could produce a real mess. As I understand it, Shaw has been an advocate for an 8 team playoff from the beginning. I think that makes a lot of sense. You may get one or two teams involved that have no chance to win it all, but you would for sure get everybody that does have a real shot. 6 may not be enough in some special cases, like if an exceptionally good team gets beat in the conference championship game. You may still want them involved. 8 is enough.