Big Ten is behind plus-one as format
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The Big Ten, which helped squash the notion of a four-team playoff to crown a national champion in college football several years ago, is taking another look.
"All of the Big Ten athletic directors are comfortable exploring the possibility of a four-team playoff," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said. "Four is better than two."
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith agreed and said the discussions stem from feedback "that we need to do something different," especially after the recent BCS title game between LSU and Alabama drew lower ratings than other championship games.
"The fans have been loud and clear," Smith said. "We also recognize that structurally there's things that we want to try and change with the bowl system -- how teams get in the bowls. It's time to be curious about everything."
The BCS title game pits the nation's top two teams based on poll and computer rankings.
One idea before the Big Ten calls for playing the two semifinal games on the campuses of the higher seeded teams, with the national championship held in a city awarded hosting rights.
The so-called plus-one format -- two semifinals plus the title game -- was proposed in 2008 by the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference. It was shot down by the leaders of the Big Ten, Pac-10, Big East, Big 12 and Notre Dame.
The 11 Bowl Championship Series conferences have already met to discuss possible changes to the system starting in 2014.
First-year Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas and Nebraska's Tom Osborne, whose school has been in the league for less than a year, both said they believe the champion will eventually be determined by a four-team playoff.
"If you were able to develop a two-game, four-team scenario that would give the masses a feeling that we're getting a better sense of a true national champion, I think that's a good thing," Thomas said.
Linebacker Shayne Skov was arrested and jailed last weekend for driving under the influence. Skov led the Cardinal with 84 tackles and had 7 1/2 sacks two years ago.
Starting linebacker C.J. Mizell has been kicked off the team after he was arrested this weekend in connection with a fight at a fraternity house.
First Published February 8, 2012 12:00 am
