FULL OF B(C)S 

I never liked the BCS, from the moment it was proposed and all the way through the several ineffectual changes (tweakings, they call them) that have ensued over the past decade. It was just another way to cyber-invade the sanctity of a sport whose champions can only truly be decided on the field of play.

I know this year's so-called "title game" is the BCS' way of saying that that is happening, but I'm not buying it. LSU has no place in this game, much like Nebraska didn't have a place in the 2001 game after Colorado handed their butts to them earlier in the season, or better yet, Oklahoma playing USC despite a 35-7 loss to Kansas State in 2003. And who can forget when LSU and USC split the national championship in 2004. They even had a chance to settle their differences on the field, for a lot of money.

And the conferences turned it down flat.

No discussion, no polling the fans, no consideration whatsoever. Millions of dollars up for grabs, a true national champion to be determined, and they don't even blink. This is what happens when you get old men who probably never played a down of football in their lives making decisions that override the vast majority of college football fans' wishes. What part of "we want a playoff" don't they understand? Is it going to take boycotting the BCS games entirely for them to see that? (Imagine if only 30,000 fans wearing green shirts with "Playoff Now" on the front and dollar signs on the back walked out of the title game for only 15 minutes).

Now don't get me wrong. The SEC deserves to have a team in this year's game. It just doesn't deserve to be LSU, especially when they lost twice as the No. 1 team this season, including two weekends ago. Why the sudden jump? It reeks of corruption and artificial methods of rank.

So you're worried what will happen to the bowl system? Here's my idea. The playoff is 16 teams. You should be able to determine a legitimate national champion from that number, which would probably include 2-3 SEC teams per year. All undefeated teams are automatically in (Hawaii, Boise St., this is for you). The rest of the field will be composed of one-loss and two-loss teams, with three-loss teams being chosen at-large if the field is not full. After all, most of us fans think that it you have more than two losses, you don't deserve a shot at the national title anyway.

Next, reserve the top 15 bowls, with the top 3 on a rotating basis like now, and let them be the stage for the playoff. Leave the rest of the bowl system as it is, and create new bowls if need be. The extra money from top teams competing in multiple bowls should be a nice incentive, and that's what we want. 

In the meantime, we the fans need to make noise and vow never to stop until the BCS and college football accede to our wishes. When the outcry becomes loud enough, it will happen.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS

1. I like Peter King's column. Especially loved the tribute to Sean Taylor. The only issue I take is when he says that Chris Samuels' (a "gentleman among gentlemen") having to get a gun is another tragedy of Sean Taylor's death. I'm sorry, but until this world is sufficiently purged from all evil (and by that I mean when Jesus Christ returns) I will always be in favor of citizens owning guns, no matter what the Supreme Court says next year on the issue (like the government can go door to door and take all the guns away. It'll be an American Armageddon. I wonder if we can get Green Day to provide a theme song.)

2. Where is the faith in Ricky Hatton? I mean almost no one is picking him to beat Floyd Mayweather on Saturday. I'm being laughed at at work because I steadfastly predict that Mayweather will lose his first fight. And it will happen, just like it did with Jermain Taylor. I don't normally believe in shelling out $50 for a fight, but this one I gotta have. Hatton lands a right hook, fight over. Hatton in 10.

3. Gotta love the Florida Marlins. What sane person doesn't jump on the chance to trade Miguel Cabrera for three bona fide future stars? Oh wait, this is the Marlins we're talking about. Talk about not caring for the fans. Jeff Loria should be forced to sell.

Until Next Time...