A playoff is the only true way to declare a champion. Pitting the top college football teams in America, against each other, is better than any poll or any system seen up until now. To ease debate about "Who is best?", let the best play the best.
In the dozen or so years of BCS anxiety, much good has happened to post-season NCAA football. Traditions remain intact, with bowls like The Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl retaining their regional and elite status. Computer rankings, various media, and sportswriters account for better accuracy than ever. But problems exist.
In those same twelve years, an unprecedented log of complaints has inevitably made the case for a better system. Discrepancies in opinions for rankings of elite teams has created a possibility of a better system.
A three or four week, 8 team playoff, would create a champion in relatively short time, and if needed- eliminate a pancake opponent in the early part of the season. Most often college football seasons end in the first week of December with Conference Championships. This would leave a month-long window in which to crown a NCAA Football Tournament BCS Champion, with the top 8 BCS teams competing for the title.
The Fiesta Bowl(AP)
The validity of those arguments that rail the BCS have some merit. This year is a good example as the University of Oregon Ducks have fallen from #2 down to #4, without a loss or any real disturbance in performance. Much of this has to do with computer assessment of strength of schedule, and particular opponent during the week. The opinion of many AP writers is that Oregon is #2, and just as many see an Oregon Duck team playing for the National Title. In 2009, a number of undefeateds were ranked in the top 6, including Boise State(13-0,#6) and Texas Christian University(12-0,#4), who would play each other in the BCS Fiesta Bowl. A game Boise St. won. After that game, the only undefeated teams left were #1 Alabama and Boise St. A playoff would answer any questions regarding these kinds of scenarios, and in my opinion, an 8 team playoff eliminates any bias.
The strength of schedule and strength of conference has been at the forefront of some arguments. Some argue that inferior teams have played for elite bowls because of record, or status. A playoff would eliminate this.
Generally, many arguments exist about who is #1 and #2. Strangely, there is not much disagreement about which 8 teams are in fact the best 8 teams. This particular fact is the best reason why a playoff solves the problem. In 2014 the BCS is scheduled for a four team playoff. Hopefully that solution is enough.
Indeed this is simple. A playoff for the top 8 would determine a champion, without scheduling or safety conflicts.
End of story.
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