The American Football Coaches Association has released a bold set of recommendations aimed at reshaping college football, and while they've scored a touchdown with one idea, they've fumbled on another.

Led by former Wyoming coach Craig Bohl, the AFCA is calling for the elimination of conference title games. Sure, this would shake up that beloved first weekend in December when fans huddle around screens for a marathon of championship matchups. But let's face it—these games are primarily cash grabs for conferences, offering limited competitive value while piling extra physical wear and tear on players. For this, the coaches deserve a high-five. It's a smart move for player welfare and the integrity of the sport.

However, the group stumbled on another proposal: reducing bye weeks from two to just one per season. That's a rough call. Those weeklong breaks are crucial for players to rest their bodies and reset mentally during a grueling season. They're not just time off—they're a strategic pause that keeps athletes fresh and healthy.

The reasoning behind this reduction seems tied to finishing the season by the second Monday in January, likely to avoid conflicts with the transfer portal opening. But here's a better play: why not start the season earlier in August? That would create more flexibility at the end, preserving those valuable bye weeks without pushing the timeline.

It's impressive that the coaches managed to craft a format that satisfies most of their members. Still, I'd be shocked if Illinois coach Bret Bielema, who's consistently championed the benefits of two bye weeks during his tenure, is on board with this one.

For now, these are just proposals—ideas that will need to navigate the real-world currents of money, scheduling, and conference politics before anything sticks. But as we gear up for the season, it's worth keeping an eye on how these changes could impact the game we love.