There are 119 teams in 1A football. Trying to chose the 2 best teams without a playoff is usually impossible unless you only use rankings based on how good teams are perceived to be relative to other teams. That system usually leaves most people unsatisfied. Here is what I propose, please try to shoot it down. 8 Team Playoff 2 of the positions are reserved for minor conference and independent schools. 1 spot is reserved for minor conference schools and 1 for independent schools. If either is not filled, either independent or minor conference schools can fill the other of the two positions before the position is opened to at-large teams. Minor conference teams must be in the top 15% of all schools, which is approximately within the top 18 teams. Independent teams must be in the top 10% of all schools, which is approximately within the top 12 teams. 6 of the positions are reserved for the six major conference champions; SEC, Big10, Big12, PAC10, ACC, and Big East. These teams must be in the top 10% of all schools. If any slots are left unfilled, a BCS-like ranking system is used, and the top available teams fill the remaining open slots as at-large teams. All of the secondary bowls (all but the BCS bowls) carry on as usual. All 8 teams are seeded using a BCS-like rating system. All playoff games in week 1 are held at the home of the higher seeded team. The fourth BCS bowl can choose any two schools as it traditionally would, provided neither of those two schools are involved in the playoff. It should be given more weight than any other bowl. A consolation game between the two losing semifinal teams is held at the home of the higher seeded team, after both teams are reseeded. WEEK 1 QUARTERFINAL: 8 @ 1 QUARTERFINAL: 7 @ 2 QUARTERFINAL: 6 @ 3 QUARTERFINAL: 5 @ 4 WEEK 2 SEMIFINAL: 1 v 4 - BCS BOWL 3 SEMIFINAL: 2 v 3 - BCS BOWL 2 WEEK 3 CONSOLATION: 4 @ 3 FINAL: 1 v 2 - BCS BOWL 1 A system for determining major and minor conferences can be formed based on BCS-like rankings. Conferences get points for having teams in the top 1%, 5%, 10%, and 25%. Conferences lose points for having teams in the bottom 25%, 10%, 5%, and 1%. The top 6 conferences are considered major conferences, and this can change every year.
I do not see anything wrong with your senario. Unfortunately until a system that includes about 20% of the 1A teams is developed it will never pass. Everyone with a vote will want to be included and 8 teams just doesn't do it. Money and greed will keep us with our current system or something very similar for many years to come I am afraid.
Why would a playoff need to include 20% of 1a teams when the bowls are still intact? As of now only two teams play for the NC, the remaining schools already enjoy their one meaningless bowl game. Only a handful (or less) of teams feel slighted now, and with the system we have now, I'd say rightfully so. With the system I presented, a handfull of teams would feel left out, but those teams will be lesser teams, and doesn't it seem more fitting? More than a handful of teams don't really belong in the NC hunt, but to fairly include all teams that do belong you must open the door to a few teams who are in the right place at the right time. Teams not getting in because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time should not be NC contenders, they should be those extra few teams trying to fill the necessary voids to ensure a true champion.
Choosing 2 teams has more than once not been adequate. Choosing 4 teams leaves out minor conference teams, and it is as well possible that all 6 major conferences could have teams go undefeated. Having 8 teams provides the ability for all contenders to contend, while keeping the playoff small enough to not demean the regular season.
Well, for one thing, each conference will basically send one team. And since the schools have influence on the conference rules, it is a much fairer scenario. For example, if LSU were to go undefeated one season and lose in the SEC championship, I don't see many people complaining because an attainable goal was set before them. As it stands now, there is nothing that can be done during the year that can guarantee that you'll get a shot at the title. That's a huge difference.
I'm not really a big fan of conference guarantees, which should explain the stipulations. But conference guarantees are both widely popular and a necessary evil to get those in power to sign on.
Guess I am still one who thinks the regular season is a playoff and I love the fact games in September have National Championship ramifications. What I am in favor of is a Plus 1 system and return of SOS to the mix. I am not in favor of a playoff but I realize I am very much in the minority.
College football is so great because like you said, any game you play has national championship implications. The Texas-Ohio State game in early September had national title implications. I am in favor of a playoff, but the regular season is sort of a mini-playoff, if that makes any sense.
