This is a fantastic article from Amphibious Sports Duo about the true agenda behind the BCS system.
“… the BCS has never had a team that’s not one of the winningest or iconic programs of the last twenty years. Look quickly at the list of teams that have competed for the crystal football since the BCS came about: Oklahoma (4x), Ohio State (3x), Florida State (3x), Florida (2x), Miami (2x), USC (2x), LSU (2x), Texas, Nebraska, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Not one dark horse program…”
And D-1 College Football is the only major sport in the world that can rightfully make this claim, that their champions ALWAYS come from the elite football programs. No run-of-the-mill, average-programs-having-a-fantastic-season, Cinderella stories in our system, no way! Only the popular need apply!
If you’re not one of the Ohio States or Floridas of the sport, you are welcome to pick from one of our second- and third-tier bowl games, we think you’ll be impressed with the selection. Oh and by the way, FORGET ABOUT EVER HAVING EVEN A SHOT AT A CHAMPIONSHIP. This country club is for members only baby!
Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah has written a letter to President Obama, urging him to ask the Justice Department to examine claims that the BCS violates antitrust laws, as reported in this Bloomberg article.
That’s the idea Senator! You go boy! See, this is what we need. This stuff fans the fire. Carries the momentum forward. Mighty mo, mighty mo!
A few highlights from Hatch’s letter to President Obama:
- The BCS system “explicitly limits the ability of non-privileged teams to compete in these lucrative games.”
- The BCS system “creates a so-called ‘National Championship Game,’ the limited eligibility for which is effectively determined before the season even begins.”
- “Of the 10 available opportunities to participate in the BCS bowls, six have already been allotted to privileged conferences before the season even begins.”
I love it, Senator Hatch. Keep up the great work!
Now, Justice Department, DO YOUR JOB. If the BCS really does violate anti-trust laws, then do something about it.
I’ve always said that the one and only thing that has the real potential of bringing about a D-1 playoff is having multiple teams finish the season with realistic claims to be in the championship game. And I still believe that. But it probably needs to be many consecutive years of such controversy. Many years of arguably-worthy teams being left out. It screams loudly. Oh and maybe this Playoff P.A.C. has some potential too — it’s sure getting a lot of press, if nothing else.
But what about this idea too? Two teams from the same conference playing in the title game. I think it’s possible, maybe even this year. As Frank Burlison points out in this article, the current BCS standings, given the gaps between each of the top teams, could conceivably pave the way for an SEC vs SEC title game.
Oh how sweet that would be! Loathing and anger at the BCS controversy would be at an all time high! As a college football fan, I would hate it. I mean, who wants a conference monopoly on the championship game? But as a BCS Hater I would love it more than those triple chocolate shakes from Dairy Queen. Trust me, that’s saying something.
Dave Dameshek over at ESPN calls out Urban Meyer in this article, asking him to shatter that BCS trophy when he receives another one this year.
Can you imagine the awesomeness of such an act? That would be a truly memorable moment, one that would freeze time. And the effect such a statement would have on college football would be absolutely disastrous to the efforts of the conspiring fat lards that run the BCS.
Please Urban, PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING. I know, I know, we’re dreaming. But sometimes it’s fun to dream.
I love this article by Lou Vozza over at Bleacher Report. A great look into the history of college football, its ranking system, and some comparisons to golf.
Now that’s what I’m talkin about.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utahn Mark Sanderson, a Washington lawyer and former campaign finance counsel for John McCain’s presidential race, has started a political action committee aimed at securing an FBS Playoff. The PAC’s purpose is to raise money to be able to match the lobbying power of the BCS. They will support pro-playoff candidates, mobilize public support, etc.
PlayoffPAC.com is my new favorite website.
[Update 10/20/2009] The Playoff P.A.C. is picking up steam. Check it out.