Ok. I'm sure we are all aware of the 4-year average qualification.

I have a question. Do they measure the HIGHEST RATED BCS team in each conference or the CONFERENCE CHAMPION?

I only ask because if it is the Conference Champion and FSU doesn't jump into the Top 20 of the BCS (which is somewhat likely considering 4 losses) then the ACC Autotmatic Bid could LEGALLY be taken away because the 4 year average of the conference champion would be lower then 12 (the level that guarantees the automatic bid). Now, of course that wouldn't happen because the conference is so improved but it is a question I ask because in the future this could affect the Big East -- although unlikely at the moment since their 4 year average is still under 8).

Does anyone know for sure? I googled but couldn't find a definitive answer..

12/4/2005 11:49:12 AM

Also are there different qualifications starting next year? I heard that in passing a few days ago but it might be that I misheard. Something about making it easier for non-BCS teams to make it (like Boise or Utah....)...

Clarify please.

12/4/2005 11:52:57 AM

Ironically enough, a guy named Brent from Raleigh emailed a similar question to CNNSI's Stewart Mandel a couple weeks ago...
here is the question he asked:

Quote :

"On the BCS' Web site, they have a clause that says conferences with automatic berths are reviewed every year and can have their berths revoked if they do not have an average ranking of at least 12 over the past four years. In 2004, Pitt was No. 21. In 2003, Miami was No. 9 and in 2002, Miami was No. 1. If WVU loses and the Big East champion is not at least No. 17, I calculate their four-year average greater than 12. Can the Big East lose its berth THIS YEAR?"

and here was the answer from Mandel

Quote :

"I've gotten this question from quite a few people, but the Big East is safe, for two reasons. For one thing, this so-called "review" of the conferences takes place after the season, so it wouldn't affect this year's bowl lineup. But the conference will also be safe through at least 2007 because, when the BCS reached its new contract last year that covers the next four seasons, it replaced that clause with a new one that takes into account the recent conference realignment. This wasn't widely reported, but basically, anything from before the 2004 season is no longer considered relevant, and -- you're going to love this one -- conferences were allowed to count future members in their 2004 results, so Louisville's No. 6 ranking last year while still in Conference USA replaces Pittsburgh's in the Big East's four-year total. Before you hit the "send" button, please remember, I don't make the rules, I just report them. "

the same thing probably holds true for the ACC

[Edited on December 4, 2005 at 11:58 AM. Reason : T]

12/4/2005 11:57:26 AM

Quote :

"you're going to love this one -- conferences were allowed to count future members in their 2004 results, so Louisville's No. 6 ranking last year while still in Conference USA replaces Pittsburgh's in the Big East's four-year total."

Yea. The ACC and the Big East were the reasons for that. ACC wanted to count BC b/c the Big East was so weak last year so they figured that BC had as good as chance as any to win it and the the Big East wanted to count Louisville. Personally that is horseshit. It should only be teams IN YOUR CONFERENCE AT THE TIME. Regardless it's moot with WVU in the Top 10 and the ACC being so much better then 4 years ago..

12/4/2005 12:00:09 PM