But just as in past years, that didn't solve all the problems. Instead of trouble at the top, this time around, the problems came at the next level. The most glaring example was the free-fall experienced by Kansas State. As a result, both the Orange and Cotton selected teams that were less deserving, but easier to sell than Kansas State. A playoff would take the decision-making process out of the hands of the fat cats in loud blazers and replace it with a merit system.
Nothing is more American than that.
While such corporate giants as Disney and Nike have been tied to playoff proposals that failed, the ISL plan offers both a format and a dollar value that's hard to ignore. Scheduled to begin in 2002, after the current BCS deal with the bowls expires, it calls for 16 teams and incorporates bowl games for both the semifinals and final. After this week, we're going to take a look at it. Obviously, our first concern is that the system in place should have some preference. The power brokers, led by BCS chairman and Southeastern Conference commissioner Roy Kramer, have no intention of budging.