Play-off System

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jerseyborn1971

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I'd love to see a Playoff system, but I don't think it would completely solve the problem.

Sounds crazy, right? Maybe not so crazy though.

College football fans are notoriously hard-headed and absolute homers. Some may think they are not, but they are. A college football fan can make an argument or excuse for anything.

Currently, we believe that just because a team loses a game doesn't mean they aren't a better team. Upon their team losing in a bracketed play-off game to an underdog, a CF fan would just say, "We had a bad day and if we didn't turn the ball over and 'hand them the game', we would have won. I know we're still the better team." Worse yet, columnists, experts, analysts and coaches would do the same thing. At the end of the year, an underdog(even a slight one) could win an 8 team play-off. But, the AP could still vote someone else number 1 because their votes are subjective. Hello split National Championship. If we had a play-off this year and ND won and OSU was knocked out by 1 point in the final game, I'd bet money that the AP would still vote one of them #1. This is just an example. We have to accept that upsets(especially slight ones) do happen in big games and WOULD happen occassionally in a football play-off too.

There is no absolute solution. As long as there are Two major polls, there is the chance for a so-called split National Championship. Basketball doesn't have this problem because the media has embraced the winner of March Madness to be the true champ. College football hasn't, doesn't and never will work that way.
 
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tedwick

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also, you're still going to get whining about the 9th team getting left out. "But they deserve to go more than #8!"

I personally like the whole 1 vs. 2 at the end of the season. So it's a little screwed up, but it's not generally easy to pick #1 and #2 straight out anyway. There's just the right mix of logic and mystic. I think the playoff system would kill a lot of the pomp of college football. And, really, it's not a whole lot more justified than the current system. Take this year:
The 4 first round games would be:
OSU - Wisconsin
Notre Dame - Florida
SC - Arkansas
Michigan - West Virginia

Ok. So 3 of these have pretty clear winners. OSU would beat UW like Michigan did. Michigan would trounce West Virginia (Michigan is like super-Rutgers, if you didn't notice). SC and Arkansas already played, and it was a blowout. The only game that would be really compelling would be Notre Dame vs. Florida.
Then we get to the second round... and I'm starting to convince myself that this isn't a bad idea. SC vs. Michigan, and OSU vs. Florida/Notre Dame. Those would definitely be good games. And then you would get to the championship game, which would be justified, although I don't think you could necessarily call it #1 vs. #2.

However, looking at that schedule of games, I don't think it's feasible, just because of the sheer number of good teams on the schedule. Imagine a regular season schedule where ND played Florida, OSU, and then Michigan or SC in three consecutive weeks, or less. It's just too much. Leave the bowl system like it is.
 
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jerseyborn1971

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In that scenerio, say Mich beats USC and OSU loses to UF/ND. OSU fans would be going crazy because they beat Michigan and ND might possibly be getting a 2nd shot at them after getting blown out. "This is such BS" etc.. That's the point. A play-off doesn't necessarily end the complaining and arguing. So you convinced me. Leave it like it is, major flaws and all.
 
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luckofirish8

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It's pretty simple really...Nothing will ever make everyone happy.

Like tewick says the next person in the "Leftout Line" will be the one complaining.

I agree that a playoff would be better for football (not just on the college level...more on this in a minute). I think it could add even more excitement to college game and I also believe it would help these players in their rookie seasons at the NFL level. Everyone talks about the rookie wall and how NFL rookies start to hit that wall somewhere around Week 10 or 11. I believe if there was a playoff system in college that you would slowly begin to see this rookie wall begin to crumble so to speak. Or at least a fewer number of players that it effects (I understand that it would be a small percentage). Players would have anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks (assuming you take the top 8 team) that they are subjected to the abuse of game play...and not a bullshit 4 to 5 weeks of low/no contact drills. I feel like this would slowing improve the rookie wall that haunts NFL rookies.

But I have to agree with tedwick, it would be damn near impossible to compete at a high level playing the likes of a Florida, Michigan, USC, Notre Dame, or OSU (to name a few) in three consecutive weeks. And again someone's always going to complain. We have become a custom to complaining about the BCS...as a matter of fact, it's something I think a lot of people enjoy. So, I don't see a major change anytime soon.
 
jiggafini19

jiggafini19

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I read somewhere that a second 16 team bracket could be made that would be similar to an "NIT" type of format. For non BCS schools and teams with 4 or more losses that did not win their conference.

The only thing I wish I-AA would do is seed the entire thing, but because of I-AA budgets they can't. I-A BCS schools sure could, though.

These I-AA kids have finals too. Some of them are still playing playoff football as this occurs.
 
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leppycole

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ABC/ESPN has the majority of the College Football world FOOLED. Why do you think they are touting a Rematch - because it will cause the chaos it needs to help the financial Future of ABC/ESPN? I know I am crazy right?

Well think about this......

All the Chaos will push more talks about a playoff system. Most would agree that a playoff could never happen because there is too much money involved in a BCS Contract that is secured by FOX who won the bid over ABC and CBS. ABC/ESPN have secured TV contracts with the Pac 10 and the Big 10 to control the tv rights to air all home games for both conferences - and most recently they are in talks with the SEC - Why is this important? Well if ABC/ESPN can influence the polls enough to cause chaos to the BCS poll by creating situations like the Mich/OSU rematch game it will get noticed by those who can force a playoff system. (University Presidents, Politicians, and other people who want in on the action.)

This new playoff system would void the current contract with Fox and allow ABC/ESPN to generate Superbowl-like revenue for advertisement dollars given the historical presence of these three conferences in the BCS. ABC/ESPN would press the rights under contract to air the playoff home games of all the teams in the PAC 10/Big 10/SEC - maybe more.

ABC/ESPN needs a Playoff and will sacrifice a coulple of seasons by influencing the poll voters during Game Day and Sportscenter with thier Biased commentary. Don't you remember when Clemson Beat G.T. and Corso said "now ND cannot make the NC game now" Then he said after USC lost to Oregon St. "This just eliminated ND from the Title chance" - Corso, Fowler and May should be ashamed that they are ABC's Bitches and try to prevent the one thing that will screw up this whole plan - IF ND wins out it is still possible for ND to head to the title game - do not believe what you hear on Sportscenter or GameDay - they have motives to support ABC and I have seen on several boards that many are noticing.
 
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jerseyborn1971

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leppycole said:
ABC/ESPN has the majority of the College Football world FOOLED. Why do you think they are touting a Rematch - because it will cause the chaos it needs to help the financial Future of ABC/ESPN? I know I am crazy right?

Well think about this......

All the Chaos will push more talks about a playoff system. Most would agree that a playoff could never happen because there is too much money involved in a BCS Contract that is secured by FOX who won the bid over ABC and CBS. ABC/ESPN have secured TV contracts with the Pac 10 and the Big 10 to control the tv rights to air all home games for both conferences - and most recently they are in talks with the SEC - Why is this important? Well if ABC/ESPN can influence the polls enough to cause chaos to the BCS poll by creating situations like the Mich/OSU rematch game it will get noticed by those who can force a playoff system. (University Presidents, Politicians, and other people who want in on the action.)

This new playoff system would void the current contract with Fox and allow ABC/ESPN to generate Superbowl-like revenue for advertisement dollars given the historical presence of these three conferences in the BCS. ABC/ESPN would press the rights under contract to air the playoff home games of all the teams in the PAC 10/Big 10/SEC - maybe more.

ABC/ESPN needs a Playoff and will sacrifice a coulple of seasons by influencing the poll voters during Game Day and Sportscenter with thier Biased commentary. Don't you remember when Clemson Beat G.T. and Corso said "now ND cannot make the NC game now" Then he said after USC lost to Oregon St. "This just eliminated ND from the Title chance" - Corso, Fowler and May should be ashamed that they are ABC's Bitches and try to prevent the one thing that will screw up this whole plan - IF ND wins out it is still possible for ND to head to the title game - do not believe what you hear on Sportscenter or GameDay - they have motives to support ABC and I have seen on several boards that many are noticing.
Click to expand...

If the BCS goes to a play-off system, wouldn't Fox still get all the games? I wish they would just rotate the damn thing every year.
 
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lattedatte

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Not having a playoff is just silly. Really it is. Regular season is a playoff they say. Sure that's why a team that doesn't even win their conference can play in the NC and undefeated Auburn team doesn't even get a shot. Yeah that makes sense. If we do have a playoff will the teams that get left out bitch, sure, but who cares about the 7th or 9th or 17th best teams. The champion will nearly always come from the first six or 8..
 
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jerseyborn1971

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lattedatte said:
Not having a playoff is just silly. Really it is. Regular season is a playoff they say. Sure that's why a team that doesn't even win their conference can play in the NC and undefeated Auburn team doesn't even get a shot. Yeah that makes sense. If we do have a playoff will the teams that get left out bitch, sure, but who cares about the 7th or 9th or 17th best teams. The champion will nearly always come from the first six or 8..
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I think I would be more concerned with #1 beating #3 in the regualr season and then #3 eventually winning the whole thing by beating someone else. #1 would then be crying and complaining. No matter what they do, someone in the Top 6 would cry. Just like now. Either way, someone could be mad, so whatever.
 
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lattedatte

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jerseyborn1971 said:
I think I would be more concerned with #1 beating #3 in the regualr season and then #3 eventually winning the whole thing by beating someone else. #1 would then be crying and complaining. No matter what they do, someone in the Top 6 would cry. Just like now. Either way, someone could be mad, so whatever.
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I hear ya but at least in your scenario 1 had a chance and they failed and 3 had a chance and the succeded. I guess though that kind of scenario happens now in every sport right now, no, Indy beat Pitt in the reg. season, then Pitt beat Indy in the playoffs. College hoops it happens nearly every year.
 
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sonomairishfan

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lattedatte

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sonomairishfan said:
that is what you do. take the top 16 from the BcS formula and have a party. couldn't be any easier.

have to get the greedy school presidents to agree to it. that is the hard part. if they would only realize that they would make 5X the money doing a playoff. if they think march madness iis big. imagine how big a college football tourny would get.
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and all other teams beyond the 16 could still go to bowls such as the gator, motor city and international. So you could have both. However I would prefer only the top 8 go to the playoff.
 
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sonomairishfan

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lattedatte said:
and all other teams beyond the 16 could still go to bowls such as the gator, motor city and international. So you could have both. However I would prefer only the top 8 go to the playoff.
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you are right. the mediocre bowls would still be relevent. you could take 16-32 and do an NIT style tourny. play all the top 16 tourny games at big time bowl sites with the final four games at rose,sugar,orange and fiesta. have the championship at a roaming location.

i think that if 2A can do 16 then 1A can. it would cut back on top ten teams getting shafted by the polls. i wouldn't feel bad for teams that didn't make the top 16 cut. if they are on that bubble the odds of winning are slim to none.
 
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irish4ever

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I would be satisfied with taking the top 4 teams and place them in the top 2 bowls and the 2 winners playing the next weekend (or 1 1/2 weeks later in this year's case). The winner in NC.
 
LOVEMYIRISH

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jerseyborn1971 said:
I'd love to see a Playoff system, but I don't think it would completely solve the problem.

Sounds crazy, right? Maybe not so crazy though.

College football fans are notoriously hard-headed and absolute homers. Some may think they are not, but they are. A college football fan can make an argument or excuse for anything.
Click to expand...

Frankly, if you invite the top4 to play, that solves all the main issues. It ensures that BCS-conference undefeated teams will get a shot. It also brings in the top of the one-loss teams. Not all deserve to go, so its a PRIVILEGE when you have 1 loss.

4 teams. 1 playoff. 1 champ.

This would even prevent the AP from splitting the title (like they are trying to do this year).
 
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sonomairishfan

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irish4ever said:
I would be satisfied with taking the top 4 teams and place them in the top 2 bowls and the 2 winners playing the next weekend (or 1 1/2 weeks later in this year's case). The winner in NC.
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that leaves too many teams out of the mix. i think you have to get more than 4 teams. that doesn't lead to an exciting playoff.
 
LOVEMYIRISH

LOVEMYIRISH

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sonomairishfan said:
that leaves too many teams out of the mix. i think you have to get more than 4 teams. that doesn't lead to an exciting playoff.
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Not less exciting, just less expansive.

If you are really trying to determine who is the BEST, the top4 should suffice.
 
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AZIRISHFAN

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8 teams are enough. Yes, the ninth will bitch but oh well here is a parting gift you get to go play in Hawaii. Keep the other bowls with their conference tie in's so they get their sponsorship money and the schools can keep their alumni happy. You do a playoff in the normal bowl sites. You keep the BCS Big boys for the final couple games so they stay the top games and promote a couple of the smaller bowls up to host the early rounds. Plus, you spread them out a bit more and put them in Domes (more seats = more $$) plus you can put them into the Main Conference areas. Atlanta = SEC/ACC, Indianapolis/Detroit/Minneapolis = Big 10, Houston = Big 12, Syracuse = Big East.

No need for a 2nd bracket you either make the dance or you go to a 2nd teir bowl. Just like now you either make the BCS or you don't. I do not see the problem here. You play the games in late December thru the current New Years. You are only adding a couple of games. Take away the wasted extra game this year (I didn't even know Western Carolina had a football team and I lived in Carolina for 5yrs!) Its too simple but the University Presidents didn't want the BCS why would they want another change.

Once ND wins this weekend it will throw the BCS into a mess like it was a couple of years ago and hopefully enough people will complain to force another change!
 
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jerseyborn1971

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See all the arguing on the number of teams and who it should include? There is no foolproof answer.
 
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FleaFlicker

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Someone on a sports talk show sais it well in my opinion...

They said that if CFB DID go to a playoff style, they would have to start with 4 teams. Do that for a few years, just to ween people off of the BCS game and show everybody how well it can work.

For there, they can stick with a 4 team playoff, of expand it to 8 teams if it makes sense. It won't ever go to 16 teams. THAT would devalue the regular season. 8 teams doesn't devalue it one bit.
 
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lattedatte

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jerseyborn1971 said:
See all the arguing on the number of teams and who it should include? There is no foolproof answer.
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I could care less just as long as it is a playoff. Still this argument is more logical than the current structure. That is whether or not to include Ga. Tech or Rutgers? is much better than should Florida have a shot. I would argue this year GT and Rutg would have no shot at a NC but I think Florida might. Or ND or USC.
 
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UNTITLEDPROJECT

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College basketball notoriously has the #1 seed knocked off in the tourney. What difference would it make? Its all about adjusting.

Eventually it will grow on people. Shit, it wont take people that long to realize that their #8 team in the nation still has a title shot.

In my opinion CFB looks like a joke without one. Why is it the only sport in the world without one? Why? Does that make any sense?
 
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