BLOCKED: The G6 and Sun Belt playoff hopes shrink as coaches push 24-team plan

Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball32mMay 6, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode of Locked On Sun Belt dives into the growing controversy around the proposed 24-team college football playoff format, with host Dave Schultz expressing skepticism about its benefits for Group of Six conferences like the Sun Belt. He argues that a rankings-based system would require undefeated seasons from non-Power Five teams, making playoff hopes nearly impossible unless they dominate both schedule and results. The discussion highlights how power conferences like the Big Ten and SEC are pushing for expansion, while the Group of Six fears losing their rare playoff access. Meanwhile, the podcast shifts to baseball, spotlighting Arkansas State’s Kyle Tangler throwing a no-hitter against Little Rock—highlighted by his efficiency (93 pitches, 71 strikes) and the team’s 12-0 shutout. The episode also covers key Sun Belt baseball results, including Troy’s comeback win over Alabama, Coastal Carolina’s loss to Clemson, and the Cajuns’ dramatic extra-innings rally against UNO, which may not help their RPI. The hosts emphasize the importance of RPI in postseason considerations and criticize teams like Miami and South Alabama for canceling games due to weather, which they argue undermines competitive integrity.

Key Takeaways
1

A 24-team playoff format favors Power Five schools and makes it nearly impossible for Group of Six teams to qualify without an undefeated season.

2

Efficiency and pitch count matter—Kyle Tangler’s 93-pitch no-hitter showcases elite control and economy.

3

RPI remains a critical factor in NCAA tournament consideration, and game cancellations due to weather can unfairly impact rankings.

4

Troy’s comeback win over Alabama shows that strong pitching and timely hitting can overcome top-tier opponents.

5

Coaches and schools are increasingly prioritizing RPI over actual game outcomes, raising concerns about integrity in college sports.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The 24-Team Playoff Debate and Its Impact on the Sun Belt

If we're going to go by college football rankings, you know, the Sunbelt is going to, or the American or whatever other conference PAC 12 2.0 is going to need to be undefeated. There is no way.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Kyle Tangler's No-Hitter and Arkansas State's Dominant Win

He was very economical in his pitches. We need to count some of the innings of the pitches because I think he only went 93 pitches. Someone tweeted at me. Let me see if that is, I presume that's true.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Sun Belt Baseball Action: Troy’s Rally and Cajuns’ RPI Struggles

Coverage of key Sun Belt baseball games, including Troy’s 6-1 comeback win over Alabama, Coastal Carolina’s loss to Clemson, and the Louisiana Cajuns’ dramatic extra-innings tie with UNO. The hosts stress how RPI is impacted by cancellations and poor scheduling decisions.

30:00
10 min

RPI Controversies and Game Cancellations

The hosts criticize teams like Miami, South Alabama, and North Carolina for canceling games due to weather, arguing these decisions harm RPI integrity. They highlight A&M’s decision to play despite poor odds, praising their commitment to competition.

40:00
14 min

Looking Ahead: Coaches, Subscribers, and the Road to Fall

The hosts preview upcoming coach interviews with Jared Parker, Clay Helton, and Butch Jones, and encourage listeners to subscribe on YouTube and podcast platforms. They also reflect on the growing audience and the importance of fan engagement.

High-Impact Quotes
If we're going to go by college football rankings, you know, the Sunbelt is going to, or the American or whatever other conference PAC 12 2.0 is going to need to be undefeated. There is no way.
Dave Schultz5:12
Viral: 85.0
He was very economical in his pitches. We need to count some of the innings of the pitches because I think he only went 93 pitches. Someone tweeted at me. Let me see if that is, I presume that's true.
Dave Schultz17:45
Viral: 78.0
They need to tell the Rose Bowl, you go do your thing. We're going to do our thing over here.
Dave Schultz12:02
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Hosts

Dave SchultzRoss Jackson

Guests

Jared ParkerClay HeltonButch JonesKendall Rogers
Topics Discussed
College Football Playoff Expansion92%Group of Six Conference Realities88%RPI and NCAA Tournament Implications85%College Baseball Highlights80%Coaching and Recruiting Pressures75%Fan Engagement and Podcast Growth70%Game Cancellations and Competitive Integrity68%Pitching Efficiency and No-Hitters65%
People & Brands

Sun Belt Conference

organization

18xNeutral

Dave Schultz

person

15xNeutral

Kyle Tangler

person

12xPositive

Arkansas State

other

10xPositive

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

other

8xNeutral

Troy

other

7xPositive

Ross Jackson

person

5xNeutral

A&M

other

5xPositive

Coastal Carolina

other

5xNeutral

American Football Coaches Association

organization

4xNeutral

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