A Four Team Playoff Doesn't Solve Everything

I try to be as optimistic as possible as often as I can be. When it comes to a four team playoff I am very optimistic and hopeful that it will solve everything. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that there may still be controversy. We won't have controversy every year and sometimes there will be a clear cut group, but there will be controversy.

Take this year for example. Until yesterday a playoff wasn't even necessary. If Alabama and FSU go undefeated, then they clearly have the most impressive resumes of any teams to play for a title. This is the perfect BCS scenario that has happened twice. When USC played Texas and when FSU played Virginia Tech. Every other year, there has been major griping with the BCS. Throwing two more teams into the mix would help one would assume.

Most years a four team playoff would help a great deal. It will help a lot this year. Let's again look at it this year and assume no conference tournaments are played. Our four team playoff would be FSU, Ohio State, Auburn, and Mizzou. Oh wait, not Mizzou, actually Alabama so we have controversy. After the SEC championship though we have the SEC Champion, FSU, Ohio State, and Alabama. If Ohio State loses then it comes down to Michigan State and Oklahoma State for that final spot. Would Big 12 champ Oklahoma State deserve it more than Alabama though?

Most people would assume that Alabama deserves it more than Oklahoma State. However, shouldn't winning your conference mean something? Yes, and so should playing the better schedule and having the better resume. I get both arguments. Despite being a guy that would prefer conference champions, I would probably go with Alabama in this scenario, but again both teams have a strong case.

The obvious answer to this is the same as the men's basketball tournament, don't be on "the bubble" and you don't have to worry about it. This situation is surely better than the BCS and will have less controversy, but it isn't perfect. I am excited and look forward to this playoff. I remain optimistic that it will help us crown the true champion of college football. At the same time I am realistic and urge you to be so that you aren't disappointed with the controversy that is sure to follow. One more year! In the meantime....Go Noles!

-Noland