Well, congratulations Auburn on a tremendous season. Congratulations on going 13-0 and undefeated through arguably the toughest conference in college football. And did I mention that besides you, only four other teams in the history of the SEC have accomplished that, and all of those teams were eventually crowned national champions. Congratulations on defeating four top-ten teams this season, including the ACC champion Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl. But most importantly, congratulations on finishing second.

And also, a job well-done to Utah. Great job on averaging 500+ yards of offense and 42 points per game. And an especially great job torching Big East champions Pittsburgh 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl, finishing undefeated for the first time in 75 years. I’m sure you Utes are really excited about placing fifth in the nation.

I’m joking-What I really meant was, I am sorry Auburn and Utah, you got screwed by a system that doesn’t work and needs to be changed.

The system in place just doesn’t make sense. How can three teams finish 13-0 against quality Div. 1 opponents, doing everything in their power to prove that they are the best team in the nation, while only one is named the national champion? It isn’t fair to anyone. At the beginning of the season, I doubt Tommy Tuberville addressed his team, telling them to work real hard and go undefeated, all to finish in second with no chance at a national title game. It just isn’t right. In what other major sport is going undefeated and not winning the championship even a possibility?

The NCAA has to recognize the need for a playoff system in Div. 1A college football. The most logical idea would be to place the top eight teams from the BCS in a tournament. It is possible, and it would be incredibly lucrative. All other bowl eligible teams that don’t make the top eight, send them to their respective bowls.

Don’t get me wrong, USC deserved the national championship that they were awarded, but Auburn and Utah at least deserved a chance. The BCS, even though it is the best non-playoff system available, is not cutting it. The idea of split national championships, and undefeated teams without national championships is absurd.

Elmer Layden, college football needs you.