Even before Knute Rockne began breaking out the forward pass as a secret weapon, college football's biggest advantage was its element of surprise. Its appeal is basic and wonderful -- built on the uncertainty of the outcome.

The biggest action item in the closed-door sessions will surround where the two leagues stand on the CFP’s structure, format and timing.

As the SEC and Big Ten debate how to stack the College Football Playoff deck, their actions are as pathetic as they are unnecessary.