An Inclusive Tournament

In 2008, Utah finished 13-0 and #2 in the polls.

The most common criticism of my playoff system seems to be my inclusion of the lower-tier conferences. While on a few levels it seems like a valid criticism, the mid-majors are integral to changing college football.  Our current system focuses on the 6 power conferences and excludes everyone else.  To find a True National Champion, every team must have a theoretical chance to win it. 

In every level of football -- EVERY -- the conference champion receives an automatic bid to their playoffs.  Without that, there would be no reason to have conferences.  That isn't something we can just skip over because we don't think that they belong.  If your team passes the criteria for the FBS, then you should not be overlooked.  As a Rules Committee, you must do what is fair and just for all of the teams - not just the ones you think should win the title.

I understand that The Sun Belt and the MAC don't have much of a chance paired against the SEC or Big 12.  That is why they are the lower seeded team - they are supposed to lose.  But can you imagine the shock when the first 15-seed beats the #2?  Upsets fuel the excitement for the playoffs.

To completely dismiss a team because of their conference forgets the surge of Utah, Boise State, TCU and the teams that may follow them.  Utah had a legitimate argument for a national championship but were denied even the opportunity because of their conference.  Any playoff system would have allowed the undefeated Utah to play themselves into a championship by virtue of their on-field performance instead of political polling.  Utah's exclusion from the 2008 Championship game cemented my position against the BCS and in favor of a playoff system that includes everyone.