Structurally, the idea of a NC in this sport is very stupid. No one can even agree on what we’re rewarding, whether it’s with a poll of hundreds to crown a champ or a poll of 13 to decide who gets invited to a tournament. There’s too much structural inequality to silence the “eye test” people, too few data points to silence the “win who you play” people. I was a kid before the BCS came around, but I was paying enough attention to know how unsatisfying people found THAT system, and while the debates will continue, I think a larger playoff becomes its own reward in a way, and something in the 8-16 range should gather up every reasonable candidate from all schools of thought without completely gutting the regular season.

Also, it’s time to compensate the players in return for their giving up some mobility. It’s the worst of all worlds right now.