NCAA Convention in Dallas Next Month: Major Topic of Debate?
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:46 amThis may have already been posted...if so, I apologize but I didn't see it anywhere.
ATLANTA — Five conference commissioners, including Tom Hansen of the Pacific 10 Conference, said they are willing to discuss the possibility of allowing a selection committee, instead of the current formula, to pick which teams play in the Bowl Championship Series title game.
The BCS has been embroiled in controversy since Dec. 5, when a 12-0 Auburn team was left out of the national championship game and some 11th-hour changes by poll voters knocked California out of the Rose Bowl and let Texas in.
"After what has happened in the last few weeks, you have to say that everything is back on the table," said Hansen, who has been critical of the process since Cal was denied its first Rose Bowl trip since 1959. "I have a real problem with what has happened this year and I'm willing to discuss anything to change it."
Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese will propose the idea of a BCS selection committee when the commissioners meet next month at the NCAA Convention in Dallas. If there is any support, the commissioners could put together a plan for change and vote during their next formal meeting in April.
The specifics of how it would work have not been discussed. But in concept, a selection committee, similar to that for the 65-team NCAA Basketball Tournament, would be appointed. This committee would have the final call on which teams would play in the BCS national championship game.
The BCS formula, which uses two polls and six computer ratings systems, now determines the championship game. With a selection committee, the BCS formula would become merely a reference tool.
ATLANTA — Five conference commissioners, including Tom Hansen of the Pacific 10 Conference, said they are willing to discuss the possibility of allowing a selection committee, instead of the current formula, to pick which teams play in the Bowl Championship Series title game.
The BCS has been embroiled in controversy since Dec. 5, when a 12-0 Auburn team was left out of the national championship game and some 11th-hour changes by poll voters knocked California out of the Rose Bowl and let Texas in.
"After what has happened in the last few weeks, you have to say that everything is back on the table," said Hansen, who has been critical of the process since Cal was denied its first Rose Bowl trip since 1959. "I have a real problem with what has happened this year and I'm willing to discuss anything to change it."
Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese will propose the idea of a BCS selection committee when the commissioners meet next month at the NCAA Convention in Dallas. If there is any support, the commissioners could put together a plan for change and vote during their next formal meeting in April.
The specifics of how it would work have not been discussed. But in concept, a selection committee, similar to that for the 65-team NCAA Basketball Tournament, would be appointed. This committee would have the final call on which teams would play in the BCS national championship game.
The BCS formula, which uses two polls and six computer ratings systems, now determines the championship game. With a selection committee, the BCS formula would become merely a reference tool.
