Before we get ahead of ourselves, keep in mind this still isn't an endpoint in the discussions. The commissioners will present their model June 26 in Washington, D.C., to the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee, which retains final approval. That group will also discuss the less radical plus-one (a Nos. 1 vs. 2 game played after the traditional bowls), to this point the preference of Pac-12 and Big Ten presidents. Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman, the most outspoken of his colleagues against a playoff, sits on that committee.
But looking up at the ring-around-the-podium Wednesday, there was a collective sense of relief on the faces of the men who have held at least six rounds of meetings since January, comprising more than 100 hours of discussion. Their playoff will come to fruition, though maybe not as soon as next week.
"I'm confident as we brief [the presidents] over the next week or so, give them an understanding of the evolution of the ideas -- what's been put off to the side, why it's been put off to the side, how we were able to manage the things that seemed to be irreconcilable for a long time -- that they will give our advice appropriate weight," said Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany.
"... Could there be a present with a bow on it and everything wrapped up [on Tuesday]?" Delany continued. "It could happen, if you're real optimistic. But I would think we'll probably need to spend some more time together, and probably resolve some outstanding issues."
