We have waited for more than a couple generations to see a Covington team beat a MAC team in the playoffs, hasn't happened yet. They are either 0-11 or 0-12, I might have lost track. Why would schools who can't compete with Covington suddenly accomplish what Covington could not do? With expanded playoffs more MAC teams will get in than before, that is how Covington will finally get their win over a MAC school.
With more teams qualifying I could see an Arcanum or Ansonia winning a game or two, but not really making a run.
What I will be interested to see is if removing the larger successful programs generates more enthusiasm for a potential conference title. I would expect a couple schools to replace Covington and Miami East as the new perineal powers.