Bill Hancock, administrator of the BCS(and former director of the
Final Four) was a guest on a Sports Talk program here in Columbus
today that is co-hosted by
Chris Spielman.

Hancock explained that clause in the upcoming BCS contract with ESPN
that begins with the 2011 Bowl Season. According to Hancock if a team
from a Non-Automatic Qualiying BCS conference qualifies for a BCS game
and the PAC-Ten or Big-Ten loses its champion the Rose Bowl will take
the Non-AQ team.

But this is a one time only shot in a four year BCS cycle.

Hancock said the clause was a delicate one to negotiate with the Rose
Bowl and it was not a suggestion of ESPN which takes over the BCS
telecasts in 2011 through 2014.

On another issue, Hancock felt that a plus-one might get support if
the 11 BCS conference commissioners could be assured of no
bracket creep which has happened to every other sport with a play-off.

At the same time Hancock reiterated the strong position of the BCS
commissioners that they want to do nothing to upset the tradition of
the Bowls or the unprecedented interest of fans and media in the
regular season.


Unfortunately, neither co-host asked Hancock how the existing system
could not but obviously be changed with a plus one.

Hancock also touched on the Coaches' Poll decision to return to
complete anonymity after this season. Hancock said the commissioners
were disappointed with that decision. And he hinted that the BCS
might look at replacing the Coaches' Poll as part of the overall
formula.

jim