He's been at least three steps ahead in both protecting the financial and athletic interests of his conference. College football is about regional rivalries built over time... He's taking control back from the outsiders like ESPN with other interests. He know has control over the distribution and inventory. He won't be forced into dilutive, destructive ventures... Like a playoff system controlled by the major networks.
Personally I feel that a playoff would help the sport, maybe even bring it to the popularity level of the NFL so that makes JD somebody I don't care for too much. I believe he is too concerned with tradition and not willing to look at other options. But I will give him credit. This was a very aggressive move. College football is not about winning, its about money. And he has done a great job of making sure his conference is making money.