For some fans, it can take a lifetime to see both ends of the college football spectrum. Fans of University of Missouri just experienced it in one weekend.
Saturday morning the Tigers were #1 in the country on the cusp of a National Championship game and riding a high they'd never seen before. A little over 24 hours later, after a loss to Oklahoma, they became another victim of the terribly flawed BCS system .
For fans, it's been an exhilarating and agonizing ride. We got a firsthand glimpse of why college football captivates millions of people across the nation each fall. Week after week, we watched, debated, predicted, complained about and for the most part, enjoyed the chaos that unfolded every Saturday.
Now we're getting to experience why the system is constantly derided by the same fans that are so passionate about it. The injustice of the BCS Bowl system was on full display on Sunday night when the Bowl pairings were announced. Of the Top 10 teams in the final BCS standings, nine of them are playing in BCS bowls (Sugar, Rose, Orange, Fiesta and BCS Championship Game). The lone one left out? The team that was ranked above them all at 7:00 on Saturday night. After their convincing loss to Oklahoma, Mizzou fell to #6 in the BCS standings and apparently that defeat was enough to force bowls like the Orange and Rose - who had their pick of the at large BCS qualifiers - to bypass them for teams that have L's on their schedule courtesy of the Tigers.
Mizzou arguable boasts the best resume of the two loss teams aside from Oklahoma. In addition to their two neutral site wins over Top 15 teams, their only two losses were to a Top 5 team, with one coming in a conference championship game that several leagues aren't required to play.
By no means am I advocating Mizzou in the NC game. They got whipped by Oklahoma. But for them to fall to the Cotton Bowl against unranked Arkansas is a demonstration of why college football can be so frustrating.
The Rose Bowl made what is probably the most controversial selection by picking #13 Illinois to play USC on January 1 in Pasadena. Illinois became the lowest ranked team and the lone 3-time loser to enter the BCS picture. Apparently the Rose Bowl placed a higher value on the "tradition" of a Pac 10 - Big 10 matchup over selecting the best available team. And there is no comparison as to who was the better team between Missouri and Illinois, because they had the good fortune of settling it on the field.
Ron Zook and the Illini had a hell of a season, especially considering the recent struggles of the university, but let's make no mistake, Illinois has absolutely no business being in a BCS bowl. None. The Rose Bowl officials made a statement with their selection that should place their credibility as a major BCS bowl in question. That statement was "we have no interest in presenting the best matchup unless it fits our pre-determined agenda."
The Orange Bowl tradition lies with the Big 12 (or Big 8) and they honored it by making arguably the most head scratching selection of the bunch. They elected to go with the #8 team in the country - the Kansas Jayhawks. The same Kansas Jayhawks that were beat by Missouri one week ago. Apparently the Orange Bowl officials were very impressed by Kansas' 34-28 loss in their last game. Kansas played what is widely regarded as the worst non-conference schedule of any Top 20 team and by a stroke of scheduling fortune, missed games with Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech in the Big 12 season. The lone team they played of any significance beat them last Saturday. There simply isn't an explanation that makes sense for their inclusion as the second Big 12 representative. It's indefensible. The Orange Bowl essentially rewarded Kansas for having the foresight to not make the Big 12 championship game.
As goofy as it is, it's a perfect example of the incredibly flawed BCS system. The priorities are out of whack. In sports, the fans have to trust that despite some questionable decisions by those executives in charge, the ultimate result will be decided by the competition. Sure Bud Selig may draw criticism for using the All Star Game to determine home field in the World Series, but at least fans can rest assured that the teams that play in the World Series will be those that earn it on the field.
Not so in the BCS. When it comes time to determine the season ending bowls, factors such as conference affiliation, tradition, expected tourism revenue and timing take precedent over winning. As exciting and tense as the games can be, how can a sport be viewed as credible when winning is the third or fourth most important factor?
In the end, the lack of structured finality to the season makes Mizzou's demotion to the Cotton Bowl largely irrelevant. The results would be the same if they went to the Orange Bowl or the Rose Bowl - no matter what bowl they play in they can't advance to the next round. But it doesn't make it any less difficult to understand.
When asked about Missouri getting stiffed in his ESPN chat on Sunday, Mark Schlabach had this to say...
"It's called selling tickets and filling hotel rooms. It's what makes college football tick...."
It's also what makes college football so hard to take seriously.
Saturday morning the Tigers were #1 in the country on the cusp of a National Championship game and riding a high they'd never seen before. A little over 24 hours later, after a loss to Oklahoma, they became another victim of the terribly flawed BCS system .
For fans, it's been an exhilarating and agonizing ride. We got a firsthand glimpse of why college football captivates millions of people across the nation each fall. Week after week, we watched, debated, predicted, complained about and for the most part, enjoyed the chaos that unfolded every Saturday.
Now we're getting to experience why the system is constantly derided by the same fans that are so passionate about it. The injustice of the BCS Bowl system was on full display on Sunday night when the Bowl pairings were announced. Of the Top 10 teams in the final BCS standings, nine of them are playing in BCS bowls (Sugar, Rose, Orange, Fiesta and BCS Championship Game). The lone one left out? The team that was ranked above them all at 7:00 on Saturday night. After their convincing loss to Oklahoma, Mizzou fell to #6 in the BCS standings and apparently that defeat was enough to force bowls like the Orange and Rose - who had their pick of the at large BCS qualifiers - to bypass them for teams that have L's on their schedule courtesy of the Tigers. Mizzou arguable boasts the best resume of the two loss teams aside from Oklahoma. In addition to their two neutral site wins over Top 15 teams, their only two losses were to a Top 5 team, with one coming in a conference championship game that several leagues aren't required to play.
By no means am I advocating Mizzou in the NC game. They got whipped by Oklahoma. But for them to fall to the Cotton Bowl against unranked Arkansas is a demonstration of why college football can be so frustrating.
The Rose Bowl made what is probably the most controversial selection by picking #13 Illinois to play USC on January 1 in Pasadena. Illinois became the lowest ranked team and the lone 3-time loser to enter the BCS picture. Apparently the Rose Bowl placed a higher value on the "tradition" of a Pac 10 - Big 10 matchup over selecting the best available team. And there is no comparison as to who was the better team between Missouri and Illinois, because they had the good fortune of settling it on the field.
Ron Zook and the Illini had a hell of a season, especially considering the recent struggles of the university, but let's make no mistake, Illinois has absolutely no business being in a BCS bowl. None. The Rose Bowl officials made a statement with their selection that should place their credibility as a major BCS bowl in question. That statement was "we have no interest in presenting the best matchup unless it fits our pre-determined agenda."
The Orange Bowl tradition lies with the Big 12 (or Big 8) and they honored it by making arguably the most head scratching selection of the bunch. They elected to go with the #8 team in the country - the Kansas Jayhawks. The same Kansas Jayhawks that were beat by Missouri one week ago. Apparently the Orange Bowl officials were very impressed by Kansas' 34-28 loss in their last game. Kansas played what is widely regarded as the worst non-conference schedule of any Top 20 team and by a stroke of scheduling fortune, missed games with Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech in the Big 12 season. The lone team they played of any significance beat them last Saturday. There simply isn't an explanation that makes sense for their inclusion as the second Big 12 representative. It's indefensible. The Orange Bowl essentially rewarded Kansas for having the foresight to not make the Big 12 championship game.As goofy as it is, it's a perfect example of the incredibly flawed BCS system. The priorities are out of whack. In sports, the fans have to trust that despite some questionable decisions by those executives in charge, the ultimate result will be decided by the competition. Sure Bud Selig may draw criticism for using the All Star Game to determine home field in the World Series, but at least fans can rest assured that the teams that play in the World Series will be those that earn it on the field.
Not so in the BCS. When it comes time to determine the season ending bowls, factors such as conference affiliation, tradition, expected tourism revenue and timing take precedent over winning. As exciting and tense as the games can be, how can a sport be viewed as credible when winning is the third or fourth most important factor?
In the end, the lack of structured finality to the season makes Mizzou's demotion to the Cotton Bowl largely irrelevant. The results would be the same if they went to the Orange Bowl or the Rose Bowl - no matter what bowl they play in they can't advance to the next round. But it doesn't make it any less difficult to understand.
When asked about Missouri getting stiffed in his ESPN chat on Sunday, Mark Schlabach had this to say...
"It's called selling tickets and filling hotel rooms. It's what makes college football tick...."
It's also what makes college football so hard to take seriously.
Read More: JSF Weekly
Mizzou, December 5, 2007 09:12 AM
The deal is that you can only take a maximum of 2 teams from any one BCS conference. If Kansas is in, then Mizzou is out, and vice versa. That being said...the only team Mizzou lost to was Oklahoma. The only team Kansas lost to was Mizzou...how in the heck is Mizzou out?
Mizzou, December 5, 2007 09:12 AM
The deal is that you can only take a maximum of 2 teams from any one BCS conference. If Kansas is in, then Mizzou is out, and vice versa. That being said...the only team Mizzou lost to was Oklahoma. The only team Kansas lost to was Mizzou...how in the heck is Mizzou out?
Mizzou, December 5, 2007 09:12 AM
The deal is that you can only take a maximum of 2 teams from any one BCS conference. If Kansas is in, then Mizzou is out, and vice versa. That being said...the only team Mizzou lost to was Oklahoma. The only team Kansas lost to was Mizzou...how in the heck is Mizzou out?
Greg Tolen, December 3, 2007 10:12 PM
I also believe that since Ohio St. was going to NC game, that another team from the Big ten had to be chosen. I think that is rule, so we can blame the Big 10 for sucking ash.
TF, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
It just bothers me to hear stories about student athletes who get special priveleges such as paid tutors and adjusted schedules when they probably got the same strings pulled for them in high school to get them into college. For example, I had a buddy that went to Miami Ohio with Roethlisberger and said that the guy had his tutor go to class in place of him and they both ended up with the same degree.
As far as kids who forego college altogether for a pro career, I say good for them.
But anyway, like I said, I have no right to bitch as I still love watching them on Saturdays.
As far as kids who forego college altogether for a pro career, I say good for them.
But anyway, like I said, I have no right to bitch as I still love watching them on Saturdays.
Barry Duffman, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
I don't think many football players on scholarship get graduate anyway. They may not win the perfect attendance award, and they may get pushed through on easy classes to stay eligible, but unless they really want to graduate, they aren't just handed a degree because they play football. The fact is that the big conferences don't seem to have any interest in changing the current system. I would like to see some sort of playoff system, too, but I understand that it probably won't happen. Even with all of this, I still enjoy college football as much as (or more than) the NFL. I also enjoy watching all of the bowl games. I don't care if they are "meaningless" or not. As long as the two teams playing are going at it as hard as they can, the game is still great to watch. Last year's Fiesta Bowl didn't have any championship meaning, but I'll be damned if I've seen a more exciting game.
Cole, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
A few quick(ish) points:
1.) It's offputting that the athletes can get degrees without trying as I took out loans to pay for my degree. Athletes who get full rides in sports other than football or basketball typically embody the true student-athlete role. I would think it would offend them more. Ultimately though, it's the individual's choice and a degree is just the start - underwater basket weaving degrees aren't going to get them far once they leave the campus' protective bubble. At some point the players need to wake up or be told that they'll be screwed if they don't make it to the pros (which is usually very likely)
2.) it's worse that the universities exploit them for the bowl revenue money, though - which brings me to my next point. Every year I hear people say a playoff would make more money. I find that VERY hard to believe. If there was a way for more money to be made, it would have happened a long time ago.
3.) So since the point of the BCS is just to make money, can't we all just root for the schools we went to (or like) and be done with it. If the NCAA and schools don't pay the students they are still technically amatures and therefore who are we to demand that they play this a certain way. They're just "students" and football is just entertainment. Let's all get off our collective high horses already and enjoy some games (or blowouts, as some may be).
1.) It's offputting that the athletes can get degrees without trying as I took out loans to pay for my degree. Athletes who get full rides in sports other than football or basketball typically embody the true student-athlete role. I would think it would offend them more. Ultimately though, it's the individual's choice and a degree is just the start - underwater basket weaving degrees aren't going to get them far once they leave the campus' protective bubble. At some point the players need to wake up or be told that they'll be screwed if they don't make it to the pros (which is usually very likely)
2.) it's worse that the universities exploit them for the bowl revenue money, though - which brings me to my next point. Every year I hear people say a playoff would make more money. I find that VERY hard to believe. If there was a way for more money to be made, it would have happened a long time ago.
3.) So since the point of the BCS is just to make money, can't we all just root for the schools we went to (or like) and be done with it. If the NCAA and schools don't pay the students they are still technically amatures and therefore who are we to demand that they play this a certain way. They're just "students" and football is just entertainment. Let's all get off our collective high horses already and enjoy some games (or blowouts, as some may be).
Mark Richt, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
I would like to apologize to everyone who would rather have seen the best two teams at least meet up in the Rose bowl (if not the NC) for not whoring myself out with fancy ESPN soundbites, a la Urban Meyer last year or Les "we never lost in regulation" Miles. At least we can force Hawaii to not wear black.
Peter Warrick, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
Yo, why you brang me into this? I ain't did nothin.
JB, December 3, 2007 09:12 AM
Mitch, I'm already over the Bowl shenanigans for the most part. I'll be rooting like hell on New Years Day (while eating a Sausage McMuffin since the game is on at 10:30am). I was pretty certain as of Saturday night from all I'd read that a loss in that game meant Mizzou was out of the BCS and I didn't think it would bother me all that much.
But when they announced Kansas in the Orange Bowl, surprisingly, I was pretty pissed off and thus the laptop was fired up and this column was the result.
But when they announced Kansas in the Orange Bowl, surprisingly, I was pretty pissed off and thus the laptop was fired up and this column was the result.
Patrick, December 3, 2007 08:12 AM
Doesn't really bother me, only because none of the athletes have the BROADCAST JOURNALISM DEGREE FROM THE BEST J-SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - COLUMBIA.
WATCH OUT BERMAN! IMIG IS THE REAL DEAL!
I'VE GOT A MOTHER F****** J-SCHOOL DEGREE, BI***ES!
No but seriously, if a star player/athlete isn't going to school and he's going to have a career in that field of athletics, i don't see a problem with it at all. Hockey and Baseball players forego college more than other sports, it's just that we don't notice it like the b-ballers and football players.
If a guy ends up going pro, it doesn't and shouldn't matter whether he went to college, or graduated from college without actually "going" to class.
WATCH OUT BERMAN! IMIG IS THE REAL DEAL!
I'VE GOT A MOTHER F****** J-SCHOOL DEGREE, BI***ES!
No but seriously, if a star player/athlete isn't going to school and he's going to have a career in that field of athletics, i don't see a problem with it at all. Hockey and Baseball players forego college more than other sports, it's just that we don't notice it like the b-ballers and football players.
If a guy ends up going pro, it doesn't and shouldn't matter whether he went to college, or graduated from college without actually "going" to class.
TF, December 3, 2007 07:12 AM
You know what, screw it, I'll just come out and say it. The argument that they can't have playoffs because the kids would miss classes or exams is retarded. They miss an assload of academics as it is. All of these "student athletes" TOTALLY CIRCUMVENT ACADEMICS ANYWAY!
And I don't blame the kids themselves, they're just taking advantage of the opportunity. But you know what the real answer is: just let an athlete go to school and major in football and not waste a seat in a class that an actual student might need. I doubt that "student athletes" like Peter Warrick actually use their degree anyway.
Finally, from what I can tell the staff their at JSF seem to be educated college grads; How does it make you feel when these meatheads (who I do love watching and rooting for on Saturdays) end up with the same degrees that we have without ever setting foot in a classroom? As a matter of fact, I pose the same question to everybody on this comments section, What do you think?
And I don't blame the kids themselves, they're just taking advantage of the opportunity. But you know what the real answer is: just let an athlete go to school and major in football and not waste a seat in a class that an actual student might need. I doubt that "student athletes" like Peter Warrick actually use their degree anyway.
Finally, from what I can tell the staff their at JSF seem to be educated college grads; How does it make you feel when these meatheads (who I do love watching and rooting for on Saturdays) end up with the same degrees that we have without ever setting foot in a classroom? As a matter of fact, I pose the same question to everybody on this comments section, What do you think?
Mitch Cumstein, December 3, 2007 07:12 AM
JB, you're right. All of the comments on here are correct. But, as a Mizzou fan, I ask you to vent and then be done with it. Let's not cause us to look like a bunch of whiney asses and have it affect (a) how we travel and (b) our team's attitude at the Cotton Bowl ... yes, I believe a fanbase can adversely affect how a team feels on the field.
Anyway, the Cotton Bowl is still Mizzou's first New Year's Day Bowl in almost 40 years. It's still a great bowl. It's in Texas (a state in which we recruit heavily). It's in Chase D's backyard, so it'll get some national run as well. And it's against Darren McFadden, likely the Heisman runner-up and potential first overall pick.
If Mizzou plays well in the Cotton Bowl, they'll likely be top five/top 10 in 2008 preseason poll. Which is half the battle when it comes to the BCS. It's very important that Mizzou plays well against Arkansas.
Anyway, the Cotton Bowl is still Mizzou's first New Year's Day Bowl in almost 40 years. It's still a great bowl. It's in Texas (a state in which we recruit heavily). It's in Chase D's backyard, so it'll get some national run as well. And it's against Darren McFadden, likely the Heisman runner-up and potential first overall pick.
If Mizzou plays well in the Cotton Bowl, they'll likely be top five/top 10 in 2008 preseason poll. Which is half the battle when it comes to the BCS. It's very important that Mizzou plays well against Arkansas.
JB, December 3, 2007 07:12 AM
One of my favorite annual traditions is listening to officials from the NCAA, BCS and anyone who does not favor a playoff try to explain why it can't happen.
The kids will be away from school too long, it will piss off the Bowls, how do you cut off the teams that make it, blah, blah. All complete garbage, especially when you look at the fact that they do the playoff system in 1-AA...er....FCS.
Speaking of FCS, I think it's quite telling that the former 1-AA is now known as the "Football Championship Subdivision" while 1-A is known as the "Football Bowl Subdivision". One has a champion, one has a series of meaningless bowls. Makes perfect sense.
The kids will be away from school too long, it will piss off the Bowls, how do you cut off the teams that make it, blah, blah. All complete garbage, especially when you look at the fact that they do the playoff system in 1-AA...er....FCS.
Speaking of FCS, I think it's quite telling that the former 1-AA is now known as the "Football Championship Subdivision" while 1-A is known as the "Football Bowl Subdivision". One has a champion, one has a series of meaningless bowls. Makes perfect sense.
Ashok, December 3, 2007 06:12 AM
Here's my solution...
Have 8 teams in a playoff system... sorry, but if your 9th, your not the best and it has to be cut somehwere.
This Saturday and next Saturday (both still before Christmas), play it down to 2. Those 2 teams play in that BCS championship game. Everybody else can go to the bowls as they exist.
Just like last year, Ohio St. is going to go like 7 weeks without playing. This would keep those teams in "game mode", so to speak.
Plus, it's more games, which means more money for the money-grubbing universities. And if the bowls are kept the way they are, there isn't even an issue with their precious guarentees. You can still guarentee a certain number of teams from each conference in the bowls.
Have 8 teams in a playoff system... sorry, but if your 9th, your not the best and it has to be cut somehwere.
This Saturday and next Saturday (both still before Christmas), play it down to 2. Those 2 teams play in that BCS championship game. Everybody else can go to the bowls as they exist.
Just like last year, Ohio St. is going to go like 7 weeks without playing. This would keep those teams in "game mode", so to speak.
Plus, it's more games, which means more money for the money-grubbing universities. And if the bowls are kept the way they are, there isn't even an issue with their precious guarentees. You can still guarentee a certain number of teams from each conference in the bowls.
JRR, December 3, 2007 05:12 AM
The most disturbing thing on Saturday is when the Big 12 commish was being interviewed by ABC. He was asked about this scenario, of KU going to a BCS and Mizzou going to a lesser bowl, he responded with "well its all about the competition". HUH???? He needed to substitute the word "Competition" w/ "Money, corrupt ADs, and Bowl Promoting Blazer Wearing Ass Clowns" and the statement is more accurate.
Kilo, December 3, 2007 05:12 AM
I will, Patrick. I love the whole, "when will they play (playoffs), the season can't go on forever argument?" Bowl games already go into the second week of January, so that's out. Also, another NCAA sport, men's hoops plays from October until April!!!, And has a month long playoff format, with teams playing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Football is generally played on Saturdays (although for bowl games, other days are included, because schools are on vacation), so in theory, less class days are missed.
As far as revenue generating, the playoffs would bring in even more money. If my team was going to the Car Quest crap bowl with no chance of anything coming from it, I'm probably not travelling. If they were potentially moving to another round of a championship series, I would most certainly go. And spend lots of money on booze, food, booze, and stuff. None of the arguments used are based on any visibly logical reasoning.
As far as revenue generating, the playoffs would bring in even more money. If my team was going to the Car Quest crap bowl with no chance of anything coming from it, I'm probably not travelling. If they were potentially moving to another round of a championship series, I would most certainly go. And spend lots of money on booze, food, booze, and stuff. None of the arguments used are based on any visibly logical reasoning.
TF, December 3, 2007 04:12 AM
I've been sitting here trying to figure out this "selection" situation so that I could offer some sort of sensible opinion to the ol' JSF comments section which always helps get me through the work day. Now I consider myself an intelligent guy, but I just can't wrap my head around Illinois matching up with USC instead of Mizzou. And Patricks comment about rankings is dead on. What's the point of assigning ranks to the teams throughout the season when they all go down the crapper at the start of the selection show.
Patrick, December 3, 2007 04:12 AM
TESTIFY KILO!
JB, December 3, 2007 04:12 AM
Dug, like I said earlier, if I'm not mistaken the Rose Bowl had first choice of at large schools, so their selection of Illinois was unaffected by the Orange Bowl's selection of Kansas.
Patrick, December 3, 2007 04:12 AM
I like how there is a rankings system that isn't used for the end of the year bowls.
Kilo, December 3, 2007 03:12 AM
I stopped paying much attention to college football years ago mainly for this reason. Certain individual games are great to watch, or if you attend/are alumni of a particularly big football school it can be exciting. Otherwise it's mostly pointless. Major colleges from major conferences play early season games against teams that aren't even good in 1-AA and as expected run up 70 point scores. This would be fine as an exhibition, but the games actually count towards BCS standings. Horrible. Then the obvious bowl fiasco. Too many crappy bowls, only one that matters, good teams being left out. Absolute garbage.
Dug, December 3, 2007 03:12 AM
It is a BCS rule that max 2 teams from a conference in BCS bowls, so Illinois and the Rose bowl are innocent of screwing Missouri (not innocent of having their heads up their ass in general). Luckily for us Tiger Fans, just a short 47 years more to wait, then we can be #1 for a week and get screwed by KU again.
Dug, December 3, 2007 03:12 AM
It is a BCS rule that max 2 teams from a conference in BCS bowls, so Illinois and the Rose bowl are innocent of screwing Missouri (not innocent of having their heads up their ass in general). Luckily for us Tiger Fans, just a short 47 years more to wait, then we can be #1 for a week and get screwed by KU again.
Dug, December 3, 2007 03:12 AM
It is a BCS rule that max 2 teams from a conference in BCS bowls, so Illinois and the Rose bowl are innocent of screwing Missouri (not innocent of having their heads up their ass in general). Luckily for us Tiger Fans, just a short 47 years more to wait, then we can be #1 for a week and get screwed by KU again.
Chad4Life, December 3, 2007 02:12 AM
Either go back to the old system (just the bowls, no BCS game, if 2 teams are undefeated, but are required to go to their "bowl", so be it) or come up with a playoff system. Frankly, I find it hilarious that a 6-6 team in one of the BCS conferences can go to a bowl game and people get excited about it ("Coach X took the team to a bowl game.)
Bud Selig, December 3, 2007 01:12 AM
Hey, wait a second... this is Football. I just googled my name, and it took me here.
JB, December 3, 2007 01:12 AM
All the political crap regarding the Rose Bowl that you described is partially the point behind the article - the fact that all that is more of a consideration than choosing the best team (and in this case there was no controversy as to who that was) makes college football difficult to take seriously.
And Ashok, if I'm not mistaken, the Rose Bowl has the first pick of the at large teams, so their decision to go with Illinois over Mizzou (or Georgia) was not effected by the Orange Bowl's choice of KU.
And Ashok, if I'm not mistaken, the Rose Bowl has the first pick of the at large teams, so their decision to go with Illinois over Mizzou (or Georgia) was not effected by the Orange Bowl's choice of KU.
Ashok, December 3, 2007 01:12 AM
Yep, Mizzou should be there. But, one comment I heard last night during the show was that they can't have 3 teams from the same donference, so the problem isn't Illinois (at least directly). The problem for Mizzou is Kansas getting picked over them.
JBense, December 2, 2007 05:12 PM
Of course the Rose Bowl has "...no interest in presenting the best matchup unless it fits our pre-determined agenda."
That's why they negotiate their own TV contract (currently with ABC, rest of BCS with Fox), have the January 1st afternoon timeslot to allow for their parade while the rest rotate days/times, and they don't have to pay the $6 million/year the Orange, Fiesta and Sugar do
Jim Delaney is an evil (but very effective) businessman and unless he is put in charge of the whole NCAA, it is unlikely he will let a playoff happen.
Mizzou definitely got jobbed, but not by the Rose Bowl. With an alternate Big 10 team eligible for the Rose Bowl, the selection committee would not have risked angering Delaney to offer the invite to a non Big 10 team.
That's why they negotiate their own TV contract (currently with ABC, rest of BCS with Fox), have the January 1st afternoon timeslot to allow for their parade while the rest rotate days/times, and they don't have to pay the $6 million/year the Orange, Fiesta and Sugar do
Jim Delaney is an evil (but very effective) businessman and unless he is put in charge of the whole NCAA, it is unlikely he will let a playoff happen.
Mizzou definitely got jobbed, but not by the Rose Bowl. With an alternate Big 10 team eligible for the Rose Bowl, the selection committee would not have risked angering Delaney to offer the invite to a non Big 10 team.
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