Every year around this time we hear the same discussions in NCAA football. There is always a buzz about 86-ing the BCS and going to a playoff format, and over the past few years Boise State is often in the discussions as well. They are undefeated, as usual, going into November, with a cupcake schedule from here on out. They have some quality wins, over Oregon (now ranked #7) and Miami too, oh wait that's Miami (OH). Well then there's.....ummmm.....well I mean they're undefeated! Doesn't that count for something? Nope. You want respect in this system? Earn it. Schedule it. Way to go scheduling Oregon, who was #16 going into the season, but you've got to do better than that. This isn't college basketball, where you can win your conference championship and go to the big dance. This is college football, where each week you are building your reputation.
Aside from the argument that college football needs a playoff because of the great 1-loss teams that are out of the race for a national title, college football also needs a playoff to settle the issue of undefeated teams with weak schedules. The University of Hawaii finished their 2007 regualr season at 12-0, and ended up losing big to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The next season, we all witnessed what happened to Hawaii when they opened against Florida - a 56-10 beat down, but at least they gave it a shot at some tough teams in 2008 like Florida, Oregon State, Cincinnati, and Washington State. The outcome may not have been an undefeated season as Boise State looks to do this season, but at least Hawaii gave it a shot at several major conference teams.
Beating Oregon in their first game of the season was impressive, but nothing since has impressed me about Boise State. Play a few teams from major conferences, like Washington State, Illinois, UCONN, they don't have to be ranked in the top 10, but you can't play these teams like Bowling Green and UC Davis and expect to be in the list of championship contenders. If you think you're that good to play in a BCS game, then prove it in the regular season. Don't make the computers put you there - schedule the tough competition and show that you belong in the top 10. It will be a huge injustice to college football teams everywhere who have played top competition and lost a game or 2 when Boise State sneaks into a title game because they are the only undefeated team left. Actually, that scenario may be just what it takes to get a playoff going in college football.
Beating Oregon in their first game of the season was impressive, but nothing since has impressed me about Boise State. Play a few teams from major conferences, like Washington State, Illinois, UCONN, they don't have to be ranked in the top 10, but you can't play these teams like Bowling Green and UC Davis and expect to be in the list of championship contenders. If you think you're that good to play in a BCS game, then prove it in the regular season. Don't make the computers put you there - schedule the tough competition and show that you belong in the top 10. It will be a huge injustice to college football teams everywhere who have played top competition and lost a game or 2 when Boise State sneaks into a title game because they are the only undefeated team left. Actually, that scenario may be just what it takes to get a playoff going in college football.
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