The BCS (1997-present) is actually only the latest attempt to legitimatize the National Champion crown, having evolved from the failed Bowl Alliance (1995-96) and the Bowl Coalition (1992-94). These systems were put in place to try to create a unanimous National Champion, since before these systems, that designation was often varied among the different human polls.
Now of course no system is without controversy, and the major arguing point to this one is that it uses a tournament system that involves only two teams. This, in place of a more traditional playoff system used by the majority of other sports, can and has, led to a high number of complaints and questionable games. Take 2003, for instance, where there were three one-loss teams (LSU, USC, and Oklahoma) that had legitimate arguments for being in the Championship game. LSU and Oklahoma ended up playing despite USC being ranked #1 in both human polls. In the end, the National Championship crown was split between LSU and USC after both won their bowl games. Another complaint of the system is that it basically turns a blind eye to ‘mid-major’ teams, as was the case in 2004 when Boise State went undefeated and was denied a spot in the NC game against Ohio State. Boise State did go to a BCS game and defeated Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, ending the season as the only undefeated team in the nation.
So, as another college season ends and the selection process comes back around, I hope this gives you some idea of what’s going down. But let’s face it, I could sit here and spout out page after page of info till my fingers fall off and still not make it understandable completely. But clear or not, sit back and enjoy!
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