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Bringing Down the BCS

Obama has said he wants to do it. Most football fans in America agree. But, so far, no one has taken any concrete steps to challenge the BCS's dominion over determining the NCAA football champion. Until now, that is. Utah's attorney general, Mark Shurtleff, is investigating the Bowl Championship Series for possible violations of federal antitrust laws. He argues schools like Utah have no opportunity, under the current system, to play for a national championship, which would bring them money and notoriety. Thus, BSC conferences have a monopoly on national titles. Given that Utah has now gone undefeated twice in four years without ever playing in a championship, Shurtleff may have a point. What would it take for a non-BCS team to get to the championship? Is it even possible?

The investigation is still in the early stages, and no lawsuit has been filed. Shurtleff would have to prove a conspiracy that creates a monopoly in order to prevail. Seems like a steep road, but sports writer Rick Reilly used the C-word (well, a c-word) in his column this week. Maybe a court would see it the same way. Here's hoping!

Full post as published by Nuts & Boalts on January 08, 2009 (boomark / email).