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A Proper Eulogy for BCS: Controversial System Did Work in Many Ways
Breitbart ^ | 12/3/2013 | C. Edmund Wright

Posted on 12/03/2013 11:42:50 AM PST by Servant of the Cross

Before you throw rocks at your screen, let me stipulate that I am NOT making the case for keeping the BCS system. I am excited to see the beginning of the next era in football championships, which begins next season.

However, as we prepare to pull the plug on what will no doubt be referred to in years hence as "the BCS era" in major college football, it is high time to finally give the BCS its due. By that, I mean it's about time to compare the BCS to what it replaced, instead of the system replacing it, let alone some notion of championship utopia. This is a concept that somehow escapes all the wizards at ESPN, let alone sports-talk radio nation.

Besides, we always remember the good in a eulogy anyway.

And unlike the Titanic, the Hindenburg - or ObamaCare - the BCS actually has largely accomplished its mission statement. Somehow, people talk as if that mission was to conjure up a perfect National Title match every year - all while solving the mysteries and vagaries of polls and rankings - and yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

The BCS was brought into existence for two simple reasons: First, this system was devised in order to put the top two ranked teams in the same bowl game while preserving the existing bowl tradition and structure. In case you haven't noticed, these long standing bowl committees, private/public enterprises usually, are extremely powerful, and fans love them. The second BCS mission meanwhile was to make boat loads of money. On the subject of the first, the BCS often succeeded. On the second, well, I think their only problem was being a bit too triumphant while being perpetually lousy at PR.

(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: bcs; eulogy
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To: oust the louse
You're not exactly comparing apples to apples when it comes to SEC teams versus other conferences in bowl games. Because SEC teams travel (and because the conference is so good), you'll find 7-9 SEC teams going to bowls.

That ends up in mismatches, with SEC teams playing up in rankings against other conferences.

For example, the Chick-Fil-A Bowl is ACC #2 versus SEC #5.

41 posted on 12/03/2013 2:05:13 PM PST by Scoutmaster (I'd rather be at Philmont)
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To: Theoria

Just a tip…..sarcasm must make a cogent point, and have some whiff of humor, to be effective. Might I humbly submit you are now oh for two?


42 posted on 12/03/2013 2:45:27 PM PST by C. Edmund Wright (Tokyo Rove is more than a name, it's a GREAT WEBSITE)
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To: oust the louse

Dude, you need to look at the “internals” of those numbers…..especially against the Big East and the ACC.


43 posted on 12/03/2013 2:49:05 PM PST by C. Edmund Wright (Tokyo Rove is more than a name, it's a GREAT WEBSITE)
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To: Servant of the Cross

First, the BCS is a playoff—a two team playoff.

The BCS seeding system is arguably objective. Roughly 160 voters in two polls means a few subjective opinions are diluted. The six computer poll results are averaged with the high and low ratings for each team thrown out, again reducing subjective influence. No doubt it could be improved further.

The “Plus One” or 4-team semifinal has been discussed since 2004.

The only issue I have with the College Football Playoff is the use of a committee to pick the teams. I would rather use something like the BCS poll system.


44 posted on 12/03/2013 4:13:37 PM PST by magellan
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To: Biggirl
I think the reason college fb is so popular is all the arguing over who is best. A bracket would take that away.
45 posted on 12/03/2013 5:58:31 PM PST by demshateGod (The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.)
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To: demshateGod

“I think the reason college fb is so popular is all the arguing over who is best. A bracket would take that away.”

.....Until early afternoon of the start of “March Madness”, when the college b-ball teams take to the floor. :)


46 posted on 12/04/2013 4:44:51 AM PST by Biggirl (“Go, do not be afraid, and serve”-Pope Francis)
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To: Biggirl

You must be a KU fan.


47 posted on 12/04/2013 10:48:05 AM PST by demshateGod (The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.)
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To: demshateGod

No, UConn basketball teams fan. :)


48 posted on 12/04/2013 11:10:17 AM PST by Biggirl (“Go, do not be afraid, and serve”-Pope Francis)
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