BCS system works
Deuces Wild
Harold McIlvain II
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Sports
It is inevitable this time of year. The question is always brought up, and most coaches seem to be in a consensus: the Bowl Championship Series is terrible.
But is it really?
Looking back at past champions since the system was installed in 1998, there has never been an egregious winner. Sure, there were debacles in 2001, 2003 and 2004, but for the most part the system has worked.
In those occasions, Nebraska, who finished third in its division, was allowed in a title game over a Pac-10 champ in Oregon, there was a shared national title by USC and LSU and an undefeated Auburn was not allowed to play for a championship.
But a few setbacks along the way had to be expected. Before the BCS was adopted, there was no structure attempting to put the two "best" teams on the field in a championship contest. The BCS has helped college football more than it has hurt it.
And it could be argued that the BCS has made college football what it is today.
With all the talk of who should be in the top two, it only helps the overall product that is college football. That 'sports talk radio' factor around the water cooler creates intrigue for the sport.
The current system makes the regular season the best of any sport by far. Each week is just as important as the next for potential championship teams. Fans are able to see a game that has a 'must win' atmosphere, whether it is the first or last game of the season.
Just ask USC fans about the Oregon State game.
President-elect Barack Obama said he would like to see an eight-team playoff. And it seems to be the favorite public opinion.
But with an eight-team playoff, the Trojan's loss would have significantly less meaning to the college football world. Fans would know USC could easily fight its way into a top eight situation in a perceived weak Pac-10, securing a chance at a championship despite the loss.
It would water down the regular season, which would take away from the strength of the sport. With college football being the only sport that doesn't finish with a playoff format, the sport brings a unique attention that other sports simply do not offer. And the regular season can be viewed as one huge playoff system amongst conferences.
But is it really?
Looking back at past champions since the system was installed in 1998, there has never been an egregious winner. Sure, there were debacles in 2001, 2003 and 2004, but for the most part the system has worked.
In those occasions, Nebraska, who finished third in its division, was allowed in a title game over a Pac-10 champ in Oregon, there was a shared national title by USC and LSU and an undefeated Auburn was not allowed to play for a championship.
But a few setbacks along the way had to be expected. Before the BCS was adopted, there was no structure attempting to put the two "best" teams on the field in a championship contest. The BCS has helped college football more than it has hurt it.
And it could be argued that the BCS has made college football what it is today.
With all the talk of who should be in the top two, it only helps the overall product that is college football. That 'sports talk radio' factor around the water cooler creates intrigue for the sport.
The current system makes the regular season the best of any sport by far. Each week is just as important as the next for potential championship teams. Fans are able to see a game that has a 'must win' atmosphere, whether it is the first or last game of the season.
Just ask USC fans about the Oregon State game.
President-elect Barack Obama said he would like to see an eight-team playoff. And it seems to be the favorite public opinion.
But with an eight-team playoff, the Trojan's loss would have significantly less meaning to the college football world. Fans would know USC could easily fight its way into a top eight situation in a perceived weak Pac-10, securing a chance at a championship despite the loss.
It would water down the regular season, which would take away from the strength of the sport. With college football being the only sport that doesn't finish with a playoff format, the sport brings a unique attention that other sports simply do not offer. And the regular season can be viewed as one huge playoff system amongst conferences.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 2
Adam
posted 11/11/08 @ 10:47 PM CST
Thank you!
I am sick of the people who hate on the BCS without really thinking of what their playoff system would look like. Most of the NBA, MLB and NFL seasons are next to meaningless because too many teams get into the playoffs. (Continued…)
Post a Comment