Todays college football is much different than it has been in the past. Also it has a bigger fan base than ever. In the old days the polls (AP and Coaches) decided the number one and national champion team. In todays world we have the BCS system. Todays system is based on a computer formulation that brings into consideration many factors including strength of schedule, quality of oppenents etc. In a BCS format many teams get to particicpate in the hype of the post season, which makes it fun for the players, coaches, fans and everyone involved. While it brings more teams into the post season, having more teams does not increase the total number of games played like it does in a play-off system. Many people today are lobbying for the major football leagues to go to a play-off style post season. This type of system in my opinion is not the best choice. A few of the flaws i see in a play-off set up is season length and number of teams involved. With already playing 12 games plus a conference championship game, it seems impossible to play another 4 games or so in the play-offs. Seasons that long would cause more injuries and potentially ruin a young players career. Also I believe that there would always be a problem with the number of teams included. I think that people would always be fighting to let more teams in causing problems. The BCS system also has its flaws, but i believe that the problems and potential problems that would come along with a play-off system would more than outway the cons of the BCS.
-Will Gunnell
Will, you make some valid points about the concerns of a playoff system for the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division 1A), such as lengthening the season and potential controversy on the number of teams in the playoff. However, I must disagree and say that the positives of a playoff system far outweigh the negatives. Precedent has already been set in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division 1AA), which is just a step below the FBS. In the FCS, 16 teams, 8 conference champions and 8 at large teams, make the playoffs, and the games are played at four regional sites. Although there have been some variations through the years, the FCS' playoff system has been around since the 70's. I believe that even an 8 team playoff for the FBS would be more successful than the current BCS system. Yes, there would be some controversy for that 8th spot, but I would argue that if you aren't clearly in the top 8 by the end of the year, then it's highly unlikely you would win the national championship. This would only lengthen the season by three weeks, which is the same amount of time it takes for the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament to take place. Having computers play a part in the decision of a national championship game, is just a flawed system in my opinion.
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