There is a simple solution to all of this which I have posted before.
16 teams, 4 groups of 4, round robin style with the 4 winning teams from each group moving on to the CFP.
The 16 teams are determined by a set of coefficients similar to UEFA which are based primarily on conference rank and team rank.
Group stage games fill in OOC spots on the schedule, meaning the season isn't lengthened. Games are played at neutral bowl sites which ensures continued revenue for those cities.
Some of the mystery of "the 16" is removed, because the coefficients provide a mathematical way to know ahead of time who is on track to be in.
But can you imagine the draw of the selection show when lotto balls are drawn to determine the 4 groups? I also thing this concept would afford a major college home for a school like UCF - if they really want it.
The season instantly becomes more exciting because, for example, we have Alabama vs. Michigan in week 8 of the season instead of Alabama vs. NW Indiana State.
Teams continue to focus on conference titles and wins as that determines seeding for the following year.