by Paul Schingle

Created on: January 18, 2010   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

I'm not naive and I don't pretend that what I write matters to anyone who matters. I understand the greed of the schools involved. I understand the "tradition" of the bowl games. I understand why the big guys (like Alabama) are afraid of the little guys (like Boise State). I understand why college football will never get rid of the BCS. It isn't in their financial interests. 

I write this merely as a fan of sports. You can take it for what it is. College football needs to institute a playoff system in order to legitimize their champion. As far as I'm concerned college football has NEVER had a true champion - and they never will without a playoff.

At the end of the game between Alabama and Texas, which college football people referred to as the "National Champoinship Game," I flipped through the channels and heard the Fox sports people say that "no one could dispute Alabama as the true champion-not even Boise State." 

Of course, you have to remember that Fox is in bed with the BCS and they're going to say anything to give the BCS credence. They didn't even get to show the game, but they will for the next five years, or so, so of course "no one would dispute Alabama" in Fox's eyes.

I realize that, in the end, I'm "no one" but I openly dispute Alabama's claim to the national championship. Did anyone see Boise State beat Texas Christian? TCU had been undefeated before the Fiesta Bowl and, in truth, I was actually pulling for them. But, I watched Boise State play as complete a game as any team in all of the college rankings. 

So, Boise State finishes the season at 13-0, and they can finish no higher than fourth in the rankings? Are you kidding me? And, Alabama is the best in the country? Sorry, Crimson Tide. After you beat Bolise State, we'll talk turkey. 

But, for now, as far as I'm concerned, Alabama's just another over-hyped college football program who's afraid to take on a Boise State (or a TCU) for fear that their real colors will show.

I won't sit here and pretend that I know, for a fact, that Boise would beat 'Bama. But, I promise you they'd give them a great game. Maybe Alabama would win. Maybe not. 

We'll never know. And, that's exactly the point. By this definition, college football needs to get rid of the BCS and start up a true playoff system. Otherwise, the sport is never going to be legitimate. 

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