There are several ways teams can qualify for BCS bowl games.  For a more detailed explanation about automatic qualification, eligibility and the  team selection process, visit the BCS website.

How are revenues shared within the BCS?

The way revenues are shared within the BCS is pretty simple.  Surprisingly to some, the six automatic-qualifying conferences receive a disproportionally smaller share than might be expected.  For a further breakdown about how revenues are shared, visit the BCS website.

Is the current BCS system successful?

Yes, since its inception in 1998, the BCS has delivered a matchup between the two top teams every year.  Prior to the formation of the BCS, the number one and two teams met in bowl games eight times in 56 seasons.  In contrast, since the conferences agreed to the BCS format 12 years ago, number one has played number two every year by BCS measurements and, according to the AP poll, numbers one and two have met nine times.  The BCS is the best format ever devised to match up the nation’s top two teams while preserving the heritage and success of the bowl system.

Is the BCS fair to the Non-Automatic Qualifier (AQ) conferences?

Every conference has an opportunity to earn annual automatic qualification into the BCS.  At the beginning of every season, every team has an opportunity to earn a spot in a BCS game, including the National Championship Game.  In fact, the BCS has increased the access for all teams into major bowl games and teams from conferences without annual automatic qualification have played in the BCS in four of the last five years. Also, every conference is proportionally represented on the Harris poll and the coaches poll, which comprise two-thirds of the BCS Standings formula.

Why not create a college basketball March Madness style bracket for college football?

A bracket-style playoff wouldn’t end controversy, it would only fuel it. Playoff brackets often start with a few teams, and then schools feel slighted so they complain, and then the brackets grow in leaps and bounds. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament started with eight teams. It’s now 65 teams and some college officials want to expand it beyond that. Think about what that would do to college football.

Why would a playoff diminish the regular season?

Playoffs would weaken the regular season. It has happened in every other sport. Once a team has clinched a playoff berth, subsequent regular-season games often become meaningless. The interest of fans, sponsors, television viewers and others is redirected from the regular season into the playoff.