Logical BCS Changes

The BCS, or the computer program that determines morethan a National Champ, but has a profound influence on a schools income, recruiting, and overall prestige, isn’t perfect. Most know that, and even more display their displeasure. While I am not completely against it, there are a few compromises that would do the system a world of good and possibly keep the BCS hating-banter to a much lower minimum.

1. WAC vs. Mountain West championship game
This is by far the best idea of the article. I have been preaching it to my fellow BCS argument friends, and I haven’t heard a disagreement yet. It’s not necessarily a BCS procedure issue as it is a compromise between the two conferences. 

Since 2003, the WAC has produced five Top 25 teams in the BCS, four in the Top 10. Boise State was four of those selections, with Hawaii in 2007 being the only other WAC BCS contender.

The Mountain West is even more impressive. They have had eight in the 6 years since 2003, including in 2003 and this season when they had two and three Top 25 finishes in those respectively. The three representatives from the Mountain West were Utah, arguably the top team in the country, TCU, one of the best defensive teams the past 3 seasons, and BYU, one of the best offensives all-around last season.

Having a playoff between the winners of these conferences would be almost a guarantee BCS playoff game, as well as being another great game to boost a team’s BCS title hopes. I would waver to say that Utah would have been deeply considered for the title game shot if they ended their season with wins over TCU, BYU and Boise State. Likewise, if Boise State pulled off another upset, they could have leaped Utah for the non-BCS conference bid. It would be the best for both of the consistently great conferences.

2. Fan Voting for last BCS Slot
Fans vote for the Pro Bowl, the NBA All-Star starters, the MLB All-Star rosters, along with various other sporting events. The fan vote is key in college, where these BCS games are picking the biggest market which usually means biggest fan base. But, I would have much rathered seen Boise State play Texas and attempt another BCS-busting upset then the Buckeyes who meandered through the Big Ten conference with an average schedule and no conference title. 

Most likely, unless it’s a team like Boise State, the bigger market would win out, but at least the fans would be less of huge haters of the BCS program, and if worst came to worst, it’s not beyond big business sports to rig an election.

3. Un-Restrict Coaches Poll
I understand the concept behind the Coach’s poll wanting everyone to vote for the National Championship winner, as it should be given to the team who played in the “championship” game. However, they allowed Utah’s Kyle Whittingham to break that rule to vote for his own team, and why not?

Some might say this would lead to all teams voting for themselves, but it should be restricted to teams who won their BCS game. That way, Texas, Utah, and even Virginia Tech could vote for themselves, while the rest of the country could vote for whoever they think is the best team, most likely still ending up being Florida.

4. Home field Advantage More Included/Date Less Included or Not at All
In reading the BCS computer rankings (HERE http://www.collegebcs.com/bcsfaq.html), I was puzzled to find two things. One, home field isn’t considered in all of the rankings, and in the ones it is, it’s very minimal. This is strange because home-field advantage is what makes College Football so great, as if a solid SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 school loses at home, it’s considered an upset and rightfully so. Everything in college is based so much off of emotion; it may be the most under rated part of most games and match-ups. Considering a team’s home record would be a huge benefit to the system.

Also, the fact that the DATE of game would have any influence may be part of the problem. The only two games that should be taken under consideration are the first game, where teams may not be entirely at the best point, and conference championship games, where the pressure is so much more to perform well. Other than that, it should be completely disregarded, as if a team loses early or late, it’s still a loss.

5. Consider only top ranked Small school teamsGrant it that Michigan had no right losing the Appalachian State in the Big House, the emergence of the lower conferences should be a sign the times are changing. Small school guys are getting to the NFL level and for good reason. There is tons of talent everywhere that it is seeping from all the big schools getting the top prospects to the small FBS teams and now the smaller FCS teams getting legitimate talent.

But, when Penn State plays Coastal Carolina that should have no bearing on their ranking. Yet, if a team like LSU beats Appalachian State, who may be ranked number one in the FCS, that should be taken under consideration similar to it would be if they beat a Sun Belt team, maybe like Troy. It isn’t a perfect idea, but the top FCS schools should be taken into consideration.

6. Consider winning conference
Adding on to the date argument, winning your respected conference should count for something more than your average conference game. For the BCS teams, it would add a much higher risk/reward to winning the conference, but also it would make conferences like the Big East and Big Ten to have a championship game, a much better way to determine the true champ year in and year out.

We all know that the BCS isn’t a perfect system, and numerous articles have been written about its need to be perfected, changed, or outright abolished. I haven’t entirely made up my mind, because of the fact of how intriguingly important the regular season is. A team like Ohio State could cruise through their conference undefeated, yet they wouldn’t be better than a one or two loss SEC power because of their schedule.

But, counter to that, it would be great to see Utah and Boise State have a chance to continue their runs onto a possible BCS crown. 
So while I refuse to take a stand on which I like more, I will be content that the FBS will put in two of the top four teams every season, allowing us to crown a champ and write more articles about it’s problems and shortcomings