Deandre Baker, on his ultimate decision not to play in the Sugar Bowl ($$):
Baker was then asked how the playoff has changed decision-making for prospects such as himself.
“If it’s not the playoff, the game — it means something — but you don’t want to get hurt in that last game that doesn’t really hold any value,” Baker said. “It’s just another game to say you finished with your dogs. But knowing you’ve got a bright future ahead of you, and that this game isn’t the national championship or the college playoff if you go out and get hurt, it doesn’t only hurt you, but it hurts your family if you have to take care of your family and be the breadwinner. It’s things like that.”
Y’all keep telling me more CFP games don’t devalue anything. Yeah, sure.
Of course, the obvious solution is to expand the postseason — excuse me, the meaningful postseason — enough so that players like Baker won’t sit out. Brackets, for the win!