I trust nothing as it relates to the BCS/NCAA
I would like to see the plus-one format expanded tp the top 8 teams. After all, there are too many variables during the season, from uneven strength of schedules to outright biased voting, and an larger pool of teams would mitigate some of that weakness. Also, flush about half those year-end bowls. More of them dilutes the experience and is tantamount to participation trophies.
“conference and school officials have hinted at the idea of taking away automatic qualifying bids to BCS bowls”
BSC bowls will be given to schools that travel the best. That is why Va Tech and Michigan are playing in the Sugar Bowl. These schools fill seats.
Last Year, UConn played in the Fiesta Bowl and besides ESPN crews, no one from the state of Connecticut showed up.
This is the result of Oklahoma State getting jobbed, at least from the “Big 12-2” POV.
Presuming this is a Football-only stipend, watch for Title IX to rear its head and next thing you know, women's volleyball will want the same, then the Tennis team, then the Lacrosse. At that point, it will fall in on itself, and we'll be back to where we started.
All speculation on a true playoff is just that - speculation. A +1 is going to be the most likely and basically inevitable outcome.
That said, I think they should make the +1 a CONFERENCE CHAMPION ONLY setup. And I say that as an Alabama (by marraige) fan that is happy to see the Tide get a second shot at LSU.
Take the top 4 Conference Champions - in this year’s case that would be LSU, Oklahoma St, Oregon and Wisconsin. Seed them with 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3.
Yes a +1 of LSU vs Stanford and Alabama vs Oklahoma St would be more competitive than LSU vs Wisconsin and Oklahoma St vs Oregon, but I firmly believe that not winning your conference should be an eliminator.
It’s. A. Game.