The debate for a playoff in college football has reached the attention of Congress, who meets today to determine if the Bowl Championship Series system for determining a national champion is fair.
Per
ESPN.com, the Congressional hearing comes after President Barack Obama's support of a playoff system to determine a national champion in Division I NCAA football.
The committee chairman, Bobby Rush, D-Ill., along with representatives from both parties, aim to put pressure on BCS officials to demand changes to the current system, including Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who introduced legislation to keep the BCS from stating it selects a national champion.
Representatives from Utah have been some of the most outspoken against the current BCS system such as Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and the state's attorney general, Mark Shurtleff, who is preparing an antitrust lawsuit that could dissolve the BCS. Under the current BCS rules, the University of Utah was not able to play for the national championship in 2008 despite its undefeated season.
Utah beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl 31-17.
BCS officials have maintained that a switch to a playoff system is not possible due to contracts with bowls, and also that
a playoff would devalue the regular season.
Some college football fans are excited about the idea of a playoff:
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coachb51 Just heard that Major College Football is considering a playoff. How awewome is that. 01 May 2009 from web -
Mr_Maverick WHA? Congress is holding a meeting over legislation on the BCS. Do I hear a playoff system for college football! *Fingers Crossed* 01 May 2009 from TwitterFon -
LPBiohazard @billwixey 2 things about the BCS. 1 how is this a congressional issue 2 u just name the playoff games as bowl prob solved..... 01 May 2009 from TweetDeck in reply to billwixey -
MattWilson518 Thank you congress for trying to fix college football. Will this administration be remembered for the playoff? http://bit.ly/QUctT 01 May 2009 from TweetDeck
And others would rather keep the current system:
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Goodgion College football needs to STAY THE SAME. There will ALWAYS be controversy over where people get placed whether its playoff or not! 01 May 2009 from web -
pkln THE BCS WASN'T CONCEIVED TO BE FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!! 01 May 2009 from web -
Maizeplace Keep the BCS as is. It's the only way to keep college football alive http://tinyurl.com/cgecb6 yeah right 01 May 2009 from web
However, several Twitterers are frustrated that Congress is taking time to meet over this issue when the economy is still in trouble and there is a world health crisis:
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DrRus Capital Hill to talk about how to name the College Football Championship team today. And this relates to Capital Hill how? 01 May 2009 from TweetDeck -
barkway Congress to hold hearings on a college football playoffs?? CONGRESS? Oh please, why R my taxdollars and gov't reps being used for that? 01 May 2009 from TwitterBerry -
TwannaArnold Keep the US Gvmt. OUT of college football!!! Can you imagine how much tickets will cost if we don't?!?! 01 May 2009 from TwitterFon -
cindystar O is going to examine the college football bowl system today. I guess 2 wars, tanking economy, and a good pig disease not important enough 01 May 2009 from web -
KevDigiTourGuy while you're struggling to survive, Congress today holds a hearing on a playoff in major college football. http://shrinkify.com/pbh 01 May 2009 from web -
JeremyLangley YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK: Congress to hold hearings about college football ranking system vs. a play-off system. WHY ARE THEY INVOLVED??? 01 May 2009 from web -
mccunelaw What the HELL is the US Congress doing involved in college football championships?? OMG!! If that isn't a sign of the times..what the F is? 01 May 2009 from web
Congress meets today to determine fairness of BCS
labach I saw Rachel Alexandra win the Kentucky Oaks this afternoon. It was the most impressive victory I have seen since Secretariat's Belmont.
wowhorse Sooo tired. But what a perfect day. No rain, took some a-maaazing shots of Rachel Alexandra, and got to see the performance of a lifetime.
Datdymefyne Back from the Oaks! I am soooo burnt! LOL..heres a pic of me tho! http://short.to/6vj9
DanielGraff Just got back from a wonderful day at the Oaks... Looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow at the Derby.
