It's whacko.... and it was worse last year. They made some changes for this year to address, (they announced), the incentive to intentionally lose but it didn't work. Some schools are currently facing that decision. For example:
A D1 team currently in qualifying position for the playoffs as a D1 but who will receive a very low seeding can lose, intentionally or otherwise, and drop to D2 and get a top seed... guaranteeing a home game with a much higher seeding and almost certainly guaranteeing a much weaker opponent.
This method is in place across all sports, with minor differences. Last year it cost several small school teams a chance at a "Valley Championship" as they were moved up out of their division and had to face much bigger schools.... schools that were no part of their regular season. This in basketball, baseball, and football.
