As I wrote the words "keep the BCS" I felt all of this negative energy being released toward me.
However, let me explain.
The BCS has no place in college football. Let me say that again so that there is no doubt on my stand - the BCS has no place in college football. They just happened to luck out this year in the title game although there are some people still supporting their own contenders.
Anyone who's ever watched March Madness or participated in a friendly ping-pong or darts tournament has an idea of how to set up the playoffs. In fact, the other NCAA divisions and the NAIA and the community colleges all have playoffs for a national champion.
There are many scenarios of how to structure a viable championship tournament. That's why it will never happen - makes too much sense.
Two other practical reasons for not having a national championship - (1) bowl game revenue and payouts to participating teams and conferences and (2) we lose the chance to keep debating the merits of a playoff.
Yes, if we actually had one - which we're not likely to get no matter how much Obama or any of the rest of it want it - we wouldn't be able to point out the folly of the BCS anymore.
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Steve,
I am positive there is a way to achieve the 2 points you mention without making the system worse...
But really, the BCS agreement is in place until 2014... so its a bit moot for now.
Sean
Hi Steve
No matter what format you use to decide the national champion in collage football there will be some type of conversely.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
I remember watching football in diapers. I always thought the bowl system (ok maybe I was in middle school by this point) was all about $$$. A playoff system is necessary to make it right! I have nothing but disdain for the BCS since they launched. My 19 year old son thought it was going to work for once this year but ended up laughing at OU for the KARMA received during the national champ game for "running up the score all year against opponents." HIs words, not mine :)
Sean,
I doubt that it will ever change because there is too much money and power behind it, but that only fuels the debate. :)
Steve
Lou,
I agree. There is bound to be someone or some team that is unhappy or even angry. :)
Steve
Renee,
If there were a playooff (and that might happen in a century or two) there would still need to be huge paydays among the participants. :)
Steve
If I knew more about football I probably could make better comments. I found this interesting but football is the one sport I have never much gotten involved in.
Steve, There is way to much money involved not to mention egos. Now are new President seems to be getting involved. It should get interesting soon...
Steven,
I like football for the sport and strategy of it. I also like it for its sales parallels. :)
Steve
Paul,
The debate won't go away but I doubt anything will change. There are just too many in the game that like the present system. :)
Steve
Hi Steve - In my view there is no true national champion unless it is fully played out on the field. The two teams that play in the championship game are there based on opinion and not "on the field" competition. I prefer to see a tournament of the top 16 ranked teams and let them decide who is the number 1 team in the country on the field. We all know the BCS isn't accurate; non-ranked teams have beaten ranked teams in bowl competition. Until college football falls in step behind the format used by college basketball we'll simply have a mythical national championship.
Jon,
And there was even some talk this year of having co-champions - the winner of the game and a second consensus pick. :)
Steve
Steve,
I completely understand your points and I think they are valid. I hope someone with a high intelligence and some legitemate control over college football reads your blog....
Ted
Ted,
Thank you, but I don't really foresee a change. I say it was a substantial longshot. :)
Steve
I am glad you verbalized what the majority have been thinking for so long. Though the comments seem to be couched in resignation, it will always be unless more folks speak up. Thanks for doing so!
Russell,
The lost one in this whole equation is the one who really counts - the fan. :)
Steve
Steve
I would like to see a playoff put in place top 8 teams and let them fight it out.
GO SEC!!!!!
Mike,
I'm thinking 12-16 teams, but 8 would work. :)
Steve
Steve
Not sure about teams 8-10-12 all would be acceptable just want a playoff system. Everything goes thru the SEC, I think some years we will have 2 SEC teams playing for the championship.
Mike,
No matter what is done that does not produce a competitive champion - and not just the one, championship game like we have now - there is going to be contoversy. :)
Steve