It’s adorable how they put up the facade of a fight, the allusion of strength in the face of sheer power.

The Big 12, ACC and Group of Five conferences put on the appearance they would stand firm against the Big Ten and SEC bullies, demanding fairness and accountability.

Until they couldn’t — until their false bravado of public statements wilted in the face of reality.

So it should come as no surprise that the College Football Playoff announced Thursday that this season’s 12-team bracket would be a straight-seeded format.

No more highest-ranked conference champions earning first-round byes, a format that benefits the ACC, Big 12 and Group of Five. No more Mr. Nice Guy from the Big Ten and SEC.

“After evaluating the first year of the 12-team Playoff, the CFP Management Committee fe

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