Answering questions about the BCS

By RALPH D. RUSSO

Should Texas be in the championship game? What was the case for TCU or Cincinnati to join Alabama in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7? And wasn’t Boise State supposed to get left out of the mix? The BCS often creates more questions than answers, so let’s try to clear up a few mysteries right now.

Q. Why does Texas deserve to be in the championship game ahead of TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State?

A. Texas started the season ranked No. 2 and never slipped below No. 3 in the polls. Critics will note that, as the season progressed, the Longhorns’ resume took some hits because the Big 12 wasn’t as good this season as last. Texas has two victories against teams currently ranked in the Top 25 of the BCS standings or AP poll. TCU has two. Cincinnati has three. Boise State? Just one.

But Texas still played a substantially tougher overall schedule than any of the other three, according to both the NCAA’s rating and the Sagarin computer rating. And while the Big 12 was down, it still rated much better than either the Mountain West Conference (where TCU plays) and Western Athletic Conference (Boise State’s league) in the Sagarin ratings. The Big 12 did trail the Big East.

Q. Should we be questioning Alabama’s worthiness, too?

A. No. The Crimson Tide’s resume is impeccable. Alabama had three victories against currently ranked teams (Virginia Tech, LSU and Florida). Its schedule was rated fourth-toughest in the nation by the NCAA and 20th-toughest by Sagarin, tops by far among the unbeatens.

Q.What is TCU’s best argument for being in the championship game?

A. The Horned Frogs spent the second half of their season pummeling the opposition. TCU won its last six games by an average of 32 points, including routs of Utah and BYU. The Frogs look like a team that can compete with any opponent.

Q. What is Cincinnati’s best argument for being in the championship game?

A. The Big East’s relative strength compared to the Big 12. That, combined with the Bearcats’ victory at Oregon State and one of the best offenses in the country.

Q. What is Boise State’s best argument for being in the championship game?

A. The Broncos don’t have a case. Since beating Oregon they have spent the rest of the season playing teams that range from slightly above-average (Fresno State and Nevada) to terrible (San Jose State, Hawaii, Utah State and Tulsa), with more terrible opponents than slightly above-average ones.

Q. Is college football any closer to having a playoff and getting rid of this frustrating system?

A. Maybe, but don’t count on it. The new four-year TV contract with ESPN starts next season. A four-team playoff was proposed and shot down before the new deal was signed. The constant nagging and threats from politicians, combined with too many lackluster BCS matchups such as Iowa-Georgia Tech, might sway the people in charge to change.