Perhaps I'd care more if I had a conference rivalry or championship to play for, but with me it's only about the BCS, which four or five teams can always lay claim to being overlooked for or screwed. It makes great sports talk, but I need a cut-and-dry winner.
The lack of a playoff system may bring in more money (debatable), but it leaves fans longing for something more. It doesn't make sense that two teams can lose to the same opponent, but the determining factor is when they lost to that team.
There is also a disconnect between the fans and players in the sense that players often do not stay four years and usually only start for one or two. Fans always know that it's going to a be a short-term relationship with their stars.
Also, I cannot stand Lee Corso. I respect Dickie V for what he's done for the sport of college basketball, but Lee Corso tries too hard to be football's Dickie V. One Dickie V. is more than enough for me.
Before I make my next point, let me be clear that I amazed at what most college athletes sacrifice simply for their love of football, and the fact that they perform feats I could not possibly imagine myself doing. However, I enjoy watching the higher quality pro game.
I know the college game is supposed to be more pure, with the players strapping on their helmets and giving their all for their brothers and school. For some, this is obviously the case. But most of them are playing for much more: scholarships, the pro scouts, the sorority girls, and the "under the radar" gifts.
The NFL also guarantees higher competition and not having to worry about legacy coaches, players with generous fathers, and boosters who don't know their limits. Every player is a world-class athlete, and every coach's paycheck depends on the outcome of the season.
Sure, there are upsets in college ball, but watching the Giants defeat the Patriots was more exciting than Appalachian State shocking Michigan, perhaps because I have more invested in the NFL. I know that if my NFL team doesn't make the playoffs or win the Super Bowl, no number of wins over their rivals will ease that pain.
On the other hand, after a college team is eliminated from BCS contention, these wounds can be healed with a big rivalry win or conference championship, or a win in the Citgo National First Bank of Cellular Telephones Bowl.
This is not to say there aren't many qualities that one could use to argue that college football is better than the NFL. I'm just not that into it. I like it, but I don't get excited about it.
Go Irish!
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