Does Week 0 Count in College Football? And Why Do We Even Have a Week 0?

Does Week 0 Count in College Football? And Why Do We Even Have a Week 0?

College football is a sport steeped in tradition, but it’s also one that constantly evolves. One of the more recent developments in the college football calendar is the introduction of “Week 0,” a prelude to the official start of the season. But does Week 0 count in college football? And why does it even exist? Let’s dive into the intricacies of this unique scheduling quirk and explore its implications for teams, fans, and the sport as a whole.

What Is Week 0 in College Football?

Week 0 is essentially a bonus week of college football games that takes place before the traditional “Week 1” of the season. It was introduced to allow teams to play an extra game, often to accommodate special events like international games or to provide more flexibility in scheduling. However, not all teams participate in Week 0, and its significance is often debated.

Does Week 0 Count?

Yes, Week 0 games count toward a team’s overall record and standings. These games are official and have the same weight as any other regular-season game. For example, if a team wins in Week 0, it’s a win on their record. If they lose, it’s a loss. The outcomes can impact rankings, bowl eligibility, and even playoff considerations.

Why Does Week 0 Exist?

  1. Scheduling Flexibility: Week 0 allows schools to schedule an extra game without disrupting the traditional 12-game season. This is particularly useful for teams that want to participate in special events or play international games.

  2. Revenue Generation: An extra week of games means more ticket sales, TV revenue, and merchandise sales. For many programs, especially smaller ones, this additional revenue can be crucial.

  3. Player Development: Week 0 provides an opportunity for teams to get a head start on the season. It allows coaches to evaluate players in a real-game setting before the bulk of the season begins.

  4. Fan Engagement: For fans, Week 0 is a chance to get a sneak peek at their favorite teams. It’s an early taste of college football that helps build excitement for the season ahead.

The Controversy Surrounding Week 0

While Week 0 has its benefits, it’s not without controversy. Some argue that it disrupts the traditional flow of the season and gives an unfair advantage to teams that participate. Others believe it dilutes the importance of the opening week, as not all teams are playing.

  1. Competitive Balance: Teams that play in Week 0 have an extra game to fine-tune their strategies and identify weaknesses. This could give them an edge over teams that start their season in Week 1.

  2. Player Fatigue: An extra game means more wear and tear on players, which could lead to injuries or fatigue later in the season. This is a particular concern for teams with smaller rosters or less depth.

  3. Fan Fatigue: Some fans feel that Week 0 diminishes the excitement of the official start of the season. By the time Week 1 rolls around, the novelty of college football may have already worn off for some.

The Impact on Rankings and Playoffs

Week 0 games can have a significant impact on a team’s ranking and playoff chances. A strong performance in Week 0 can boost a team’s standing in the polls, while a poor showing can hurt their chances of making the College Football Playoff.

  1. Early Momentum: A win in Week 0 can give a team early momentum and confidence heading into the rest of the season. This can be particularly important for teams looking to make a statement early on.

  2. Strength of Schedule: Week 0 games can also impact a team’s strength of schedule, which is a key factor in playoff selection. A win against a strong opponent in Week 0 can bolster a team’s resume, while a loss can be a significant setback.

The Future of Week 0

As college football continues to evolve, the role of Week 0 may change. Some have suggested expanding Week 0 to include more teams, while others have proposed eliminating it altogether. Regardless of its future, Week 0 has already made its mark on the college football landscape.

  1. Expansion: There’s a possibility that Week 0 could be expanded to include more teams and games. This would provide even more flexibility in scheduling and could lead to more high-profile matchups early in the season.

  2. Elimination: On the other hand, some believe that Week 0 should be eliminated to preserve the traditional structure of the season. This would ensure that all teams start the season on equal footing and maintain the excitement of the official opening week.

Conclusion

Week 0 is a unique and somewhat controversial addition to the college football calendar. While it provides benefits like scheduling flexibility, revenue generation, and early player development, it also raises concerns about competitive balance, player fatigue, and fan engagement. Whether Week 0 will become a permanent fixture in college football or eventually fade away remains to be seen. For now, it’s an intriguing part of the sport that adds another layer of complexity to an already fascinating game.


Q: Do all college football teams play in Week 0?
A: No, not all teams participate in Week 0. It’s typically used by teams that want to schedule an extra game or participate in special events.

Q: How does Week 0 affect bowl eligibility?
A: Week 0 games count toward a team’s overall record, so a win or loss can impact their chances of becoming bowl-eligible.

Q: Can Week 0 games be televised?
A: Yes, Week 0 games are often televised, and they can generate significant TV revenue for the participating schools.

Q: Are Week 0 games considered less important than Week 1 games?
A: While some fans may view Week 0 as less significant, the games are official and count toward a team’s record, making them just as important as any other regular-season game.

Q: Could Week 0 eventually replace Week 1?
A: It’s unlikely that Week 0 will replace Week 1, as the traditional opening week holds a special place in college football culture. However, Week 0 could continue to grow in importance as the sport evolves.