I remember sitting on the couch last year watching the BCS selection show thinking to myself "If LSU play 'Bama again...the playoff system will be upon us. There is no way the other conference presidents will allow this happen ever again."
So, thank you SEC for destroying the other conference opponents in the BCS championship for the past 6 years and causing something to happen in Division I that we all thought was a far fetched fantasy; The NCAA D-1 Playoffs.
And now, it's on the discussion table...well...sort-of.
The current BCS system will be in place for the next two years but the future changes will be discussed June 26. So far the idea that anything larger than four-team playoff is out the window. So with that being said, here are four possibilities that could reshape college football as we know it:
Scenario I - Plus One Format
This format is gaining popularity amongst most conferences because it doesn't extend the college post-season by that much. Basically, the top four teams (determined by the current BCS formula) are seeded 1-4. 1 plays 4; 2 plays 3. The winners would play each for the national title.
One issue - Sooooo where will they play the games? There is a lot of speculation surrounding this question. Many believe that the higher seeded teams should host the first round and the title should be played at a neutral site. This could drive bowl executives nuts whom of which would lose the most money if this format is adopted...unless the bowl committees are given a chance to bid on the neutral site or something like that.
Scenario II - Top Four Overall
Another top four format but the selection would come from a committee or a predetermined formula. Venues would bid to host the games with the national title being played a week later. This format lacks the traditional hype leading up to bowl games; something that the NCAA "desperately" wants to keep apart of the college post season. If this is the option they choose; I'll be shocked.
Scenario III - Top Four Champions
This option will follow the top four overall format but the only people eligible are those who won their conference championship. Looking at last year for example, #1 LSU v #10 Wisconsin, #3 Ok State v #5 Oregon....really?
This is what weaker conferences are dreaming of. I just can't see a team like UConn going undefeated in the Big East, ranking in the top 5 and getting a shot at a title game. You can argue that they did their job in winning the games before them but in order for this to pass; those big conferences have to vote for it...highly unlikely.
Scenario IV - Three-and-One
Ok, this one is slightly different. The semifinals must include the top three conference champs but the fourth spot can be filled by any team. So you get a wild card team. Of course, the wild card selection would cause some backlash but you can't please everyone, right?
Something that you have to include when talking about each and every last one of these options is money. Money will drive each conference on each level to vote in favor of getting the biggest slice of revenue regardless who plays and where it's played. The NCAA knows this; why else would they entertain half of these options. That's what it all boils down to at the end of the day; how can I make the most money for my conference.
I personally think the Plus one format is the best option here. Top four teams get a chance at the 'ship no matter whose in those slots. The selection of these teams can cause a couple of issues just because strength of schedule has to be factored into all of this. Just because you win your conference championship with a 9-4 record doesn't mean you are a top 5 team in the nation.
We all can argue against or for the adoption of all of these options. That's what we are here for; to go back and forth about who should really play for the 'ship. No matter if you are pulling for good ole Boise State or Wake Forest. We want to see the nations top four teams play for the crown.
Now on the more silly side of the spectrum, if EA Sports NCAA 2013 had a "Create Your Playoff" feature I'd solve it myself. Cut out the cupcake games, adopt the D-2 playoff system and have the final four play in the highest bidding bowls. Extensive? Yes. Extreme? Hell yes! Will it happen? Never. But this is just my opinion....
What's yours?
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