BCS Officials Considering Hiring Full-Time Advocate For System

BCS officials are "considering hiring a permanent point person to be a full-time advocate for the often criticized postseason system," according to Ralph Russo of the AP. If created, the new position "would take over much of the high-profile responsibilities of the BCS coordinator -- a two-year post that rotates among the commissioners" of the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and SEC. Current BCS Coordinator and ACC Commissioner John Swofford in a statement said, "As we head into the next cycle of the BCS, the commissioners and presidents are considering potential changes to the administrative structure to accommodate the overall growth of the BCS over its 11 years. The conversations are ongoing, and no decision has been made to date." Russo noted Swofford will end his run after the BCS National Championship game on January 7, and "next up in the rotation" is Big East Commissioner John Marinatto. Marinatto yesterday said that he "feels he would be ready [to] take over as BCS coordinator," but added that he "would have no problem with being skipped or taking the position in a redefined role." Marinatto: "I think there is a sense (among conference commissioners) that the BCS hasn't really done a good job over the years of defending itself" (AP, 10/20).

STAY OFF THE FIELD: In Detroit, Drew Sharp writes under the header, "Politicians, Don't Worry About BCS." A group of political operatives have formed the Playoff Political Action Committee to raise money to support anti-BCS efforts, but the major bowls "have the ultimate power in this argument, and they aren't going anywhere." Sharp: "The BCS never will be perfect, but that was never the intent. There are many other inequities more deserving of political time than this" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/21). CBS' Tony Barnhart said, "As a general principle, I do not want Congress anymore involved in my life than it already is … (but) I now believe that we have reached a point where the sport has simply outgrown the format." AP college football writer Ralph Russo said he believes there will eventually be a four-team playoff "if nothing else, just so the BCS can get the government off its back" ("The Tony Barnhart Show," CBS College Sports, 10/20).