Condoleeza Rice says leave playoff at 4 teams

SAN ANTONIO (AP) College Football Playoff selection committee member Condoleezza Rice said she likes the four-team format and doesn't want to expand to eight.

Speaking Thursday at the NCAA's annual convention, the former U.S. Secretary of State and Stanford provost said she doesn't want to extend the competition calendar.

Young athletes haven't yet matured physically and may not be ready for more of the physical pounding of another game, she said, noting a potential academic impact as well.

Rice said the current format keeps the bowl system relevant and keeps late-season rivalries meaningful.

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And she dismissed criticism that five major conferences are fighting for just four playoff spots.

Rice said that keeps the regular season ''more competitive.''

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This story has been corrected to correct spelling of `Condoleezza' throughout.

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