Tie-Break Tweak Needed Before Playoff

The Texas Longhorns beat Oklahoma and Missouri in Big 12 play, yet the 'Horns will not participate in the Big 12 title game because of a conference tie-break system that values BCS numbers over on-the-field performance. Ironically, Oklahoma and Missouri will play for the Big 12 title instead.

Granted, Oklahoma had the same record as Texas, but Texas outclassed Oklahoma head to head by 10 points. When two conference football rivals end up with identical records, the team that wins by 10 points on the field should advance to the conference championship game. It is that simple. I cannot believe that Texas will suffer such an indignity, watching two teams it beat compete for the Big 12 title.

It is the Big 12's fault, too. That conference needs a tie-break system that puts head-to-head results ahead of BCS computer figures. Folks lavish praise on the BCS numbers, saying they have no bias. Yes. That is true. There is no bias involved when comparing BCS numbers. But there is no bias in selecting teams that win on the field over other deserving teams either. Where is the bias in selecting teams that do better in head-to-head competition?

If we had a college football playoff, would the playoff organizers organize things so that winners on the field lose there, too? It makes one wonder. Putting BCS numbers ahead of head-to-head competition defies sound logic. College football fans want results that make better sense. Let's begin by using tie-break scenarios that make sense. The priorities here are way out of wack. BCS numbers are fine, but they shouldn't outweigh accomplishments on the football field. Texas got slighted big time.