VA Husker Fan
All-Conference
But it's not really establishing a standard level because it only considers conference games, plus some conferences have that elimination championship game, and others don't. And some conferences have 14 teams, while others have 8. It's far from a standard level.I'm not saying my way is right, but I am arguing that Conference champs is a FAIR way to establish a STANDARD level of achievement for all teams to be able to play in the game. It relies on nothing more then the performance of the players and the coaches who participate in the game. No other human outside element has control over who plays. Now tell me that isn't BETTER then leaving decisions up to biased, personal, subjective opinions, and money to sway results, or match ups.
I'd argue that it's like saying that a team has to win it's rivalry game to make the playoffs. If Oregon rolls through the rest of the schedule but loses the Civil War game vs Oregon St, and still goes on to win the Pac 12, they can't go, because if you can't even win your rivalry game for your own state's bragging rights, you don't get in. If you don't have a rivalry game, well, that rule just doesn't apply to you so you're eligible. Not the same thing as winning a conference? Why not? The only difference is that a conference championship involves more games, but it doesn't take into account the entire season.
The committee can make it fair. They aren't employed by ESPN if you're worried about the SEC bias. I'd hope that this year they'd have considered the conference championship factor enough to include Auburn, FSU, Stanford, and Michigan St, and leave Alabama out because 3-5 were so close. No need to mandate Alabama out,and if Michigan St and probably Baylor had another loss or two, I think Alabama should get in.