Predict the bowls

[AppGrad78]

Gosh, where to start? I could write a novel.

In a nutshell, bowls are the chief impediment to a meaningful playoff (no, four teams doesn't make it meaningful). There's nothing wrong with touting the status quo or even making money hand over fist, but the bowls have blocked the playoff proponents at every turn, many times through underhanded, unethical and illegal means. Check into the still-recent Fiesta Bowl scandal. This was about a bowl president making $600,000 per year who was colluding with elected officials to maintain the status quo.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/st ... tence-week

This was not an isolated incident, either. This is merely the one bowl official stupid enough to get caught. Bowl official = snake oil salesman. Conference commissioners don't rank much higher, in my opinion.

Drop by our tailgate and I'll give you the unabridged version.

[Deano]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

[AppAlum1]

Well ... OK, but the entire bowl system is not corrupt just because of one gooberhead.

Now, ESPN, well ... don't get me started there.

I am convinced that sooner or later, the 4 team playoff will expand to 8 teams, then 16, then 24, then 32. Etc. The FCS was a trial run. Although individual bowls might slow down the progression, they will figure out a way to be part of the playoff system.

And, yes, money moves this slower than it would otherwise roll. But, corrupt? I still don't agree. I have an acquaintance who declares that college football is just a Semi-Pro farm league for the NFL. Maybe. I still enjoy it. Apparently a whole bunch of other folks do too.

But, I will gladly join you at your next tailgate. If you are close to mine. Are you going bowling?

[Rick83]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

I agree totally, the excitement of an 8 team or larger playoff would pay huge dividends and pull more people into college football for the drama. It would need to be structured to allow G5 teams to have legitimate chances of making the playoffs otherwise it'll just be an elite league and interest will wane.

[WVAPPeer]

From CBS sports ---
If Western Michigan isn't selected for the automatic berth in the Cotton Bowl, negotiations are ongoing that would make the Broncos available to potentially half of the 34 remaining bowls below the New Year's Six level.

An undefeated Western Michigan is viewed as such a good story with hot coach P.J. Fleck that it could possibly be placed in a bowl beyond the Mid-American Conference's seven bowl partners.

The possibilities include 12 bowls owned and operated by ESPN Events. Two of those bowls -- Bahamas and Famous Idaho Potato -- are already MAC partners. The Bahamas Bowl has already agreed to terms with Eastern Michigan and Old Dominion.

The ESPN-run bowl possibilities for Western Michigan include the Armed Forces, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Camellia, Celebration, Hawaii, Heart of Dallas, Las Vegas, New Mexico and St. Petersburg.

A source told CBS Sports that talks are ongoing regarding that wide array of bowls to arrange the best matchup and time slot for the Broncos if they end the season undefeated.

There is concern within the MAC that an undefeated Western Michigan will be beaten out by a would-be 10-2 Navy for the Cotton Bowl berth, which automatically goes to the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion.

"We continue to believe Western Michigan controls their destiny," MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said.

The Broncos (12-0) are currently the highest-ranked Group of Five team. Its advantage over Navy, the next highest-ranked such team, shrank in Tuesday's College Football Playoff Rankings.

[AppGrad78]

Well ... OK, but the entire bowl system is not corrupt just because of one gooberhead.

Now, ESPN, well ... don't get me started there.

I am convinced that sooner or later, the 4 team playoff will expand to 8 teams, then 16, then 24, then 32. Etc. The FCS was a trial run. Although individual bowls might slow down the progression, they will figure out a way to be part of the playoff system.

And, yes, money moves this slower than it would otherwise roll. But, corrupt? I still don't agree. I have an acquaintance who declares that college football is just a Semi-Pro farm league for the NFL. Maybe. I still enjoy it. Apparently a whole bunch of other folks do too.

But, I will gladly join you at your next tailgate. If you are close to mine. Are you going bowling?

We're just a few spots down from you in the Duncan lot, I think. Perhaps I can also regale you in the way bowls allocate tickets and disburse revenue.

[EastHallApp]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

I agree totally, the excitement of an 8 team or larger playoff would pay huge dividends and pull more people into college football for the drama. It would need to be structured to allow G5 teams to have legitimate chances of making the playoffs otherwise it'll just be an elite league and interest will wane.

I think it would have to go to 16 for G5s to be included (other than the occasional juggernaut like some of the 12-0 Boise teams of past years.) It's probably wishful thinking to say that interest in the playoff depends on the inclusion of G5s. People tune in to see the brand names.

[bigdaddyg]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

I agree totally, the excitement of an 8 team or larger playoff would pay huge dividends and pull more people into college football for the drama. It would need to be structured to allow G5 teams to have legitimate chances of making the playoffs otherwise it'll just be an elite league and interest will wane.

Agree that we will eventually see it expanded to maybe 8. Personally I believe that is good enough. If it were 16 this year you are including a USC and Louisville team who both got stomped and have three losses. Too watered down. Now if it were 6 and the top 2 got a bye you keep the regular season important and it creates excitement. Top 5 P5 and top G5. Preliminary round played mid December at the home of highest seed of the 3-6 teams and the final 4 on NY day.

[AppAlum1]

We're just a few spots down from you in the Duncan lot, I think. Perhaps I can also regale you in the way bowls allocate tickets and disburse revenue.

Fair enough. Can't wait to be regaled.

Wish we had more home games.

[Rick83]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

I agree totally, the excitement of an 8 team or larger playoff would pay huge dividends and pull more people into college football for the drama. It would need to be structured to allow G5 teams to have legitimate chances of making the playoffs otherwise it'll just be an elite league and interest will wane.

I think it would have to go to 16 for G5s to be included (other than the occasional juggernaut like some of the 12-0 Boise teams of past years.) It's probably wishful thinking to say that interest in the playoff depends on the inclusion of G5s. People tune in to see the brand names.

People would still tune in but I still believe more people would tune in if their teams or even teams in their conference had a shot at the playoffs. I think it'd expand their market by expanding interest, people love Cinderella stories which you see many times during March Madness. NASCAR seemed like an unstoppable juggernaut of a sport at one time but interest has waned, isn't that why they came up with the Chase? They were probably behind the curve on that...just sayin'

[WVAPPeer]

78 - why don't you give us some of the info you have on the bowl process - I think it would be interesting and I would like to know some of the details as to how it works ---

[AppGrad78]

WVAPPeer: EastHallApp has a much better grasp of the bowl process than I do. My dealings with bowls and bowl people are a bit dated, really ending in the mid-90s. I will say that I felt like I needed to take a shower after being around those people.

[EastHallApp]

Thanks 78, but I just know what I read. I told people over and over back in September that even if we went 11-1 we'd be locked into one of the four Sun Belt bowls if we didn't get the NY6. Now Western Michigan is potentially in that scenario and reports say they might be able to do exactly what I thought couldn't happen, which is to get out of the MAC's tie-ins for a better option. Shows how much I know.

[firemoose]

Thanks 78, but I just know what I read. I told people over and over back in September that even if we went 11-1 we'd be locked into one of the four Sun Belt bowls if we didn't get the NY6. Now Western Michigan is potentially in that scenario and reports say they might be able to do exactly what I thought couldn't happen, which is to get out of the MAC's tie-ins for a better option. Shows how much I know.

I got a break and decided to catch up a little on what I've missed for the past couple of weeks. Saw the WMU stuff. I remembered our "discussion" back in Sept but wasn't going to bring it up. But since you did....

Just kidding East.... Back to the grind.

[EastHallApp]

I can't ever remember anything like it happening. Posed that question here and no one else cook think of an example either. First time for everything I guess.

[JTApps1]

I understand the bowl presidents and the establishment tends to make lots of money keeping the bowls as they are, but the networks and College AD's have to understand the boatload of money and excitement that a more expanded playoff system would bring. The 4 playoff system they have now has brought more money into the college football arena, but its just the tip of the potential earnings. I was a huge fan of the playoff system we had back in FCS, it basically ruined any and every argument that those against a playoff system at the FBS level could make. I'm not saying it needs to be at 16 teams or anything but at least 8 would allow us G5 schools to get into the playoff system.

I agree totally, the excitement of an 8 team or larger playoff would pay huge dividends and pull more people into college football for the drama. It would need to be structured to allow G5 teams to have legitimate chances of making the playoffs otherwise it'll just be an elite league and interest will wane.

I think it would have to go to 16 for G5s to be included (other than the occasional juggernaut like some of the 12-0 Boise teams of past years.) It's probably wishful thinking to say that interest in the playoff depends on the inclusion of G5s. People tune in to see the brand names.

Maybe a 12 team playoff with all conference champs and two at large teams would work. The top 4 teams would get a bye. Even still teams aren't going to want to add too many games to the schedules, and we all saw how the diluted FCS playoffs lost some of their excitement during the first round.

[appstate77]

I like the idea of 16 teams, including the 10 FBS Champions and 6 at large. The at large teams will not stop all the P5 whining, but it will put a dent in their tears.

[EastHallApp]

On the previous two posts:

12 teams could work but there's no way five of them would be G5 champions. If you want auto-bids for all 10 leagues, I think you have to go to 16.

What I really suspect is that the only way we'll ever get significant G5 representation in a playoff is if the NCAA takes it over. As long as it's run by the CFP or something like it, I think it will be virtually exclusive to the P5s.

[WVAPPeer]

I can't imagine the P5s would ever consider G5s for their playoff - I could see them going to 6 with the top 2 getting byes - anymore than that and what happens to conference championship games? - I could see a G5 playoff developing as well using home fields and one established bowl - there will still be plenty of teams willing to go the "Belk level", "Independence level" bowls and the lower "Dollar General" levels ---

[AppfaninCAALand]

On the previous two posts:

12 teams could work but there's no way five of them would be G5 champions. If you want auto-bids for all 10 leagues, I think you have to go to 16.

What I really suspect is that the only way we'll ever get significant G5 representation in a playoff is if the NCAA takes it over. As long as it's run by the CFP or something like it, I think it will be virtually exclusive to the P5s.

12 or 16 with all conference Champs it the only way I think it should be, but of course no in power cares what I think.