The four teams have been selected for the playoffs to decide the collegiate National Football Champion for 2015. All four teams (Clemson, Alabama, Michigan State and Oklahoma) are worthy contenders. My question is “What has the football powers that be limit the number to four teams?”

College basketball has successfully included 68 or more teams. I appreciate there are different issues for football than there are for basketball. One of those issues is the maintenance of the traditional bowl games. Surely there are four other games that would fit nicely with the Rose, Sugar, Cotton and Orange Bowls. I think one of those has already been replaced by the Fiesta.

What I do know is that the TV folks can figure it out. Live action is their favorite thing. Those extra games would make any bowl game premiere and would be certainly more so compared to a 6-6 team and a 5-7 team getting together. However, the issue for me is that it doubles the opportunity for the “not so elite team” to have a great year and be rewarded for it.

Every other NCAA sport gives multiple opportunities for individuals and teams to perform on the championship stage. Athletes at all the schools work hard at their sport. Doesn’t it work to have Cinderella come to the Ball every once in awhile? Texas Western (UTEP) beats the University of Kentucky in the Basketball Finals. Ancel Robinson (who?) wins the hurdles in the NCAA finals while competing for Fresno State College in the 50’s. I am sure each of you has your favorite story.

Competing at the collegiate level is a great experience even when you don’t win a National Championship. A big helping of dessert when you do. I had the good fortune to play for a National A.A.U. basketball championship in 1960 followed by participation in the 1960 Olympic Trials with some of the all-time basketball greats. Those kinds of experiences cannot be duplicated nor minimized in any way.

Don’t Forget …

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