Tradition?

[clinto77]

As a purist, or traditionalist, or whatever you want to call me, I am appalled at the powers that be in the BCS offices that keep claiming tradition as the sole reason we do not have a playoff system in NCAA division 1 football. I know, I said I'm a traditionalist, and tradition/playoff is an oxymoron, but I will explain to you why I stand where I stand. As a born and bred pac-10 fan (now the pac-12), I have cheered for my Huskies to make the Rose Bowl year after year. I know our dynasty days are over, but what irks me the most is the fact that this years game fell on January 2nd, not January 1st as it traditionally does. So why does the BCS keep claiming tradition as the reason they do not want a playoff system? I know that the 1st fell on a Sunday this year, which traditionally is a day for the NFL, but if you all recall last Saturday, Christmas eve, there was a full slate of NFL games. So why then, couldn't the NFL, and BCS come together to let the bowl games fall on their traditional game day? That is, afterall, what the BCS claims they want to maintain. Integrity in college football lays with the money, always has, always will, but so has tradition. The worst part of this whole mess is they keep pushing the National Championship game back farther and farther into January. So it could be that the next time the Rose Bowl holds the championship game, it could fall on the 10th or even later. Where is the tradition in that BCS? All major conferences now hold a championship game, which is the first step for a playoff. I am not saying a playoff is the answer, but I am saying the BCS is not the answer. I would like to see the BCS, and all their corrupt cronies, fall off a cliff. That may be harsh, but like I said, I'm a purist. And this way all of the bowl games could be played on their traditional days once again, restoring harmony to the world of NCAA division 1 football once again.

[richardhodges]

can someone explain to me why americans are fascinated by college sports?

[richardhodges]

i'm gonna start a bowl called the cialias bowl and you qualify by having the hottest cheerleaders

and then the cheerleaders play

[clinto77]

I can't speak for all of us Americans, but for me personally, the game is better in college. Well at least football and hockey that is. Same reason why I like watching European football opposed to MLS, because the game is better. College kids are giving it there all to live out their dreams of turning pro. The NFL is full of prima donnas who got their pay day and now could care less about the game. Just my opinion though, you might want to ask more Americans to get more information on your inquiry.

[The Q]

I can weigh in on that. I have lived both in Canada (29 years) and stateside (10 years) in the midwest. College sports are huge for a few reasons.

1. There are so many colleges down south compared to up in Canada, thus you've got zillions of alma mater supporting their schools, both in support and financially.

2. A HUGE % of these college (Lets take Oklahoma St for example) A MAJOR division 1 school is located in a podunk little town in Oklahoma. (Stillwater) Their man resource of the town is the University, there is nothing else to do there but go to school, be a student and live the college life. THUS you support your school. This is the same Texas A+M, Kansas St., Washington State, and 1000's of other schools in the USA.

3. American college sports by and large are GREAT. And very competitive. You'd be hard pressed to find a better TOURNAMENT in the world than March Madness. OK the World Cup of Soccer, but that'd be about it. NOT EVEN the World Jr. Hockey Championship (that all of us Canadians love) can come close to matching the intensity and crazy fandom that that tourney experiences)

4. Comparing Canadian college hoops and college football to USA college hoops and college football is pointless, they're not even in the same ballpark. There's just to much $$ involved down there. All the best student athletes in the world from around the world go to school in the states to try to take themselves to the next level. Comparing %'s isn't even close from a Canada vs. USA standpoint.

5. There are more people in America (captain obvious point) therefore the sports will be played at a higher level, as the genepool is just that much bigger. More athletes bigger athlete grounds to play on.

6. NO Canadian college sport / event can match what the USA does in terms of viewership level.

I can't remember the last time I watched a CIS football game. I could care less about it to be honest. But that's because I prefer US College football more. Not all Canucks share that view, but that's fine w/ me.

Americans love their college sports. This will never change. It is what it is.