Commentary

The strength of the BCS system

The BCS isn't a perfect playoff system, but it does one thing better than most

Originally Published: December 5, 2011
By Brian Fremeau | Football Outsiders

The BCS final standings are out and the pairings are set. And as with almost every year, an incredible level of scrutiny was ushered in when the announcement became official that the LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide would stage a rematch for the national championship. College football's postseason permits two -- and only two -- participants in its playoff, leaving many fans feeling underwhelmed, especially those in Stillwater, Okla.

If the "regular season is a playoff," why will the first game between Alabama and LSU back on Nov. 5 ultimately mean nothing in the BCS title chase? Every other major sport features a multi-round playoff format, so what would be the problem with creating one for FBS football?

We're not going to make a case against a playoff as an exciting -- and perhaps more fulfilling -- conclusion to the college football season. But there is also a case to be made that the current BCS system more consistently crowns the best team in the sport with its trophy, while playoff systems in other sports reward only the team with the hottest finish.

The best team playing the second-best team for the title is worth something, right? Well, it's not that simple.

To read the complete story about the BCS and why LSU and Alabama are the right picks for the BCS title game, sign up for ESPN Insider.

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