# Tim Brando joins Dan Dakich on ‘Don’t @ Me’ to discuss Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s CFP ‘bias’ comments

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tim-brando-joins-dan-dakich-on-dont-me-to-discuss-indiana-coach-curt-cignettis-cfp-bias-comments/
- Published: 2026-11-05T19:10:45+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T21:54:02+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/tim-brando-joins-dan-dakich-dont-me-discuss-indiana-coach-curt-cignetti-cfp-bias-comments
- Topics: World

## Key points

- The 2026 playoff rankings reignited debate over SEC favouritism.
- Tim Brando said broadcasters may develop subconscious league bias.
- He said the Big 12 and ACC have stronger complaints than the Big Ten.

## Summary

The first 2026 College Football Playoff rankings triggered debate over team placements and claims of favouritism towards the SEC. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti accused the committee of giving southeastern teams “a lot of love from ESPN”; commentator Tim Brando discussed the claim with Dan Dakich, arguing that broadcasters are not consciously promoting the SEC.

Brando said broadcasters can develop a league-centred perspective because they work in a bubble covering the SEC. He thinks the Big 12 and ACC have grounds to complain about being dismissed, while the Big Ten does not, and described the Big 12 as more competitive than the Big Ten without necessarily being better overall. He said there is no instruction for ESPN personalities to favour any league, though subconscious bias may occur.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.