Time for a BCS Shakeup

We've all known it for years, the BCS system is far from perfect. One argument is that while it's not perfect, it is "the best possible system" (assuming you buy into the whole "a playoff isn't realistic" bit--but that's a debate for another day). Well, I'll give the BCS their system. They can keep their computer ratings and everything--all I ask is that everyone capable of realistically competing for a National Championship be included in the equation. How is that not the case? you ask--the Mountain West Conference isn't included, that's how.

Here's a breakdown of the current BCS rankings by conference:

• Big Ten: 4 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 14.75
• Pac 10: 4 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 15.5
• Big East: 4 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 16.5
• SEC: 3 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 3.67
• MWC: 3 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 14
• ACC: 3 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 14
• Big 12: 2 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 11
• Others: 2 ranked teams, average BCS ranking - 10.5

In case you're thinking, well, that's just the current rankings, what about history, tradition? Here's a breakdown of last year's final AP rankings:

• Big 12: 5 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 9.2
  
• SEC: 4 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 8.5
  
• Big Ten: 4 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 15.5
• Pac 10: 3 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 10.33
  
• MWC: 3 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 11.33
• ACC: 3 ranked teams, average AP ranking -19.33
• Big East: 2 ranked teams, average AP ranking - 20
  
• Others: 1 ranked team, average AP ranking - 11
  

I ask again, why is the MWC not included in the automatic BCS bids?

The MWC is consistently the fourth or fifth best football conference in the country, has been for about four years now, is 2-0 in BCS games and boasted last year's only undefeated team in the land.

The BCS got one thing right, while all men were created equal, all college football conferences were not. The current BCS automatic qualifiers (SEC, Pac 10, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and Big East) are indeed in a league of their own when it comes to football, but they're no better than the MWC.

TCU is a legitimate National Title contender this year, yet they'll likely get looked over for the BCS Championship game even if they're the only undefeated team remaining. Why? Because their strength of schedule isn't as high as a one-loss Georgia Tech or a one-loss Texas? Oh, really? Actually TCU is 2-0 against the ACC this year (both games on the road by the way). The Big 12? BYU beat Oklahoma at it's best (and in Dallas, a sooner-dominant crowd) and TCU destroyed BYU in Provo. If the Horned Frogs can beat Utah, finish undefeated, and get some help from someone in the Big 12 to beat Texas, they should play the SEC Champion for the National Title.

So, BCS, wake up! If you're going to monopolize college football and hoard all the money, at least get it right and include all of the elite.