After reading this article, it seems like you are expressing disappointment more than surprise with the admission of the BCS Commissioner that profits are more important than the purity of competition and the love of the game.

In the world today, could we really have expected anything else? Gone are the days of Norman Rockwell, Knute Rockne and the Gipper, and other icons of America's past culture and sports history.

The only question in our century is "How can we make the most money off of this?"

Is it possible to bring back those times and the values that really were important, that defined sports as something worthwhile in the lives of our young people?

Yes, but only one person at a time, by living what you believe and teaching those within your circle of influence that there is a better way to live and behave. Maybe if enough people will show the world that we don't have to define success by profits alone, we can begin to make a difference and place the emphasis where it belongs: character, sportsmanship, honor and integrity.

What Dick fails to consider in his article is that while making a good story by summing up the words of Swofford it is not at all accurate.

The BCS is not a reflection of the marketplace at all. As evidence I offer you March Madness, which for a full month puts the entire sports world in a frenzy. Now imagine having a similar electric atmosphere fueled by the power of college football. It would easily eclipse basketball and the NFL and as a result would generate more money then the current format.

The BCS is about self preservation. Power conferences dictate money and revenue for their own programs. They have only made certain concessions to avoid the exact situation that they find themselves; under congressional scrutiny.

Sorry Mr. Harmon while your oozes feel good sublines it demonstrates your lack of understanding of the college football landscape. After your self proclaimed 35 years of "reporting" I would have hoped for more.

If each of the 4 major bowls took four teams instead of two, they could host a double header on xmas, and a playoff game for the winners on New Years.

By hosting the winners of the previous week, fans and teams would stay in town longer for the week to see the next playoff game bringing more money to their city thru hotels, restaurants, golf. local business would be able to donate more money to their Bowl to bid higher on better teams, and conference champions.

I remember several years back that Honolulu hosted 2 bowl games on the same day (Aloha and Hula bowls). A 12noon game and a 6pm game. Could you imagine getting a ticket to the Rose Bowl for a double header to go along with the parade?

I think the Rose bowl is the key. Before the BCS the Rose Bowl paid out 21million, now they only pay out 15million. Rose bowl can afford four games to start a playoff.

I recommend one rule, If a bowl is allowed to take an at large bid, they should be required to take a Mid major champion to accompany them to the 4 game bowl series.

Whatever your interpretation of this article, it's clear that college football is no longer about the student athlete or providing a system that defines a true national champion. The BCS is guilty of violating the integrity of college football. I'm in favor or the idea that Congress may legislate the word "Champion" out of the BCS. Lets see how that affects the BCS and "The Marketplace."

The team crowned BCS "Champion" no longer defines who they are. It only reinforces what the BCS is NOT. The BCS "champion" team should be called the BCS "Money Champion" or "Marketplace Champion."

I'm a Utah fan and my advise to Cougars fans is to relish your National Championship more than ever. It truly is unique. Utah goes undefeated, beating four top 25 ranked team (at the end of the season) an comes in second. Regardless of strength of schedule, The '08 Utah Utes will never know how good they were. (along with the '08 team) I better stop now, I'm going to blow up!

like it or not, it is the wealthy big boys club. Good luck in breaking it up. They have friends in high places...

but BYU?

I hear a lot of rhetoric about the BCA and a NCAA football national championship playoff, with Univ. of Utah used as case in point.

But one thing to think about Utah's season last year: if there had been a national playoff in place, Utah wouldn't have finished anywhere close to the #2 spot nationally, since even in an 8-team playoff they would have had to play at least three teams the caliber of Alabama-- teams such as USC, Ohio St., Oklahoma, or Florida. Chances are remote that they could have lasted very long against that sort of gauntlet.

Just beat Utah!!!!!!!!!!.

GREED is GOOD!

I have enough kids (lotsa wives) to field 2 football teams. I should have a shot at the national championship.

It's a controlled marketplace, not a real one. Competition to the oligarchy is not allowed. In that the cartel is clear, Congress must break it up. Once free competition is allowed, Middle Tennessee State has a shot. The rising tide will lift all boats which is exactly what USC, OSU, OU and Penn St. don't want. They have more competition which dilutes their sales message. No doubt a number of blue chip athletes who eschewed BYU in favor of a school with a chance for a national championship might come to BYU, giving them a better chance.

Now Big Ten etal ... welcome to the marketplace where a Villanova can win and a Butler or Siena or MTSU has a shot.

The BCS is unAmerican. Break up the cartel.

Good article, Dick.