Just in case you have not noticed, the bowls games have been not only up and running but quite compelling. It is a shame that the pre-Christmas action is normally ignored, but there has not only been some good action, with numerous games going down the wire, but also some of the top players in the country.
Which brings me to my point. The problem with the current bowl system, to me, is not so much the lack of a playoff format--because I do not feel that one can be pulled off adequately--but the lack of fairness with bowl allotments. This week, in games totally off the radar, we have two of the best programs in the country playing in TCU, who edged Louisiana Tech last night, and Boise State, who plays Arizona State tonight. Both of those teams deserve better placement than Ohio State and Florida, who meet up in the Gator Bowl, or Texas and Cal who square off in the Holiday Bowl. But the bowl system now is set up to favor the big conferences as they are expected to bring more fans and tv ratings. That is normally true but Boise, especially, has proven that they travel well and have enough intrigue around their possible bowl performance that they would also bring ratings. They have one of the top players in the country in QB Kellen Moore. Who wouldn't want to see them play in January?
My solution is to appoint a committee to fill the available bowl slots, doing away with the conference tie-ins. Programs with huge alumni bases will be respected as such, while up-and-comers who are attracting attention will also get so honored. More intriguing match-ups will be created and attendance on air and in person will be boosted. Teams that have great seasons will be rewarded, while teams whose play was bad enough to cost their coach his job (Michigan last year for example) will not earn spots in key games. The good of the sport will be served by presenting the best roll of games possible.
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