For college football fans, the release of the When Do BCS Rankings Come Out(Bowl Championship Series) rankings marks one of the most anticipated moments of each season. These rankings, which determine the top teams in the nation and influence the college football playoff system, are eagerly awaited by fans, coaches, and players alike. But when exactly do the BCS rankings come out, and why are they so important? In this article, we’ll explore the history of the BCS rankings, their impact on college football, and the timeline for when the rankings are typically released.
What Is the When Do BCS Rankings Come Out System?
The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) was a ranking system used in NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) college football to determine the top teams and decide which teams would play in the major bowl games and the national championship game. The BCS system began in 1998 and was in place until 2013, when it was replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP) system.
Under the BCS, rankings were based on a combination of human polls (such as the coaches’ poll and the Harris Interactive Poll) and computer-generated rankings. These rankings were used to select teams for the four major bowl games—the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl—and ultimately determine the national champion. The BCS was designed to provide a more transparent and mathematically sound way of selecting teams for these prestigious bowl games, although it was often criticized for its lack of a true playoff system.
The Role of the BCS Rankings
The BCS rankings played a significant role in shaping the postseason landscape of college football. They determined which teams would earn spots in the BCS National Championship Game, where the top two ranked teams would face off to compete for the title. The BCS rankings also determined the matchups for the other major bowl games, which were important for a team’s reputation, finances, and recruitment.
However, one of the biggest criticisms of the BCS system was its inability to include more than two teams in the national championship picture. While teams ranked 3rd and beyond had a shot at competing in the major bowl games, there was no true playoff format to give more teams a chance to fight for the national title. This led to widespread calls for reform, and in 2014, the College Football Playoff system was introduced, which expanded the postseason to include four teams in a playoff format.
The Timeline of BCS Rankings
The BCS rankings typically came out during the college football season to provide an updated snapshot of how the teams were performing relative to one another. The rankings played a critical role in shaping the way the season unfolded, as teams battled for spots in the major bowl games and a shot at the national championship.
Here’s an overview of the general timeline for the release of BCS rankings during a typical college football season:
- Preseason Polls: While the BCS rankings themselves didn’t begin until later in the season, the preseason polls were an important indicator of where teams stood at the start of the year. These polls, such as the AP Poll and Coaches’ Poll, helped generate discussion and anticipation for the upcoming season. While these polls weren’t directly involved in the BCS rankings, they often influenced the rankings early on.
- First BCS Rankings – Typically Released in Late October: The first official BCS rankings of the season were typically released around the end of October or the beginning of November. This gave the committee time to evaluate the teams’ performances, strength of schedule, and other key factors. By this point in the season, most teams had played several games, and there was enough data to begin ranking them according to their performance.
- Weekly Rankings – Released Until the End of the Season: After the initial rankings were released, the BCS rankings were updated on a weekly basis, typically every Sunday. These rankings would reflect the most current results from the previous week’s games, along with any changes in the teams’ standings based on their victories, losses, and other factors. Fans eagerly awaited these weekly updates, as each new ranking had the potential to change the trajectory of the season.
- BCS National Championship Game – The Final Rankings: The final BCS rankings were released after the regular season was completed, typically in early December. These rankings were the most important of the year, as they determined which two teams would advance to the BCS National Championship Game. The top two ranked teams based on the BCS formula would meet in the championship game to determine the national champion.
- End of the BCS Era – Transition to the College Football Playoff: The BCS system concluded after the 2013 season, with Florida State emerging as the final BCS National Champion. The following season (2014), the College Football Playoff system replaced the BCS system. The new format includes a four-team playoff, with the rankings being determined by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee rather than the BCS formula. As a result, the release of BCS rankings is no longer part of the college football landscape.
How the BCS Rankings Were Calculated
The BCS rankings were determined using a complex formula that combined several factors to evaluate the relative strength of each team. The main components of the BCS formula included:
- Coaches’ Poll: This was a poll of FBS coaches who voted on which teams they believed were the best. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team, and the results of this poll were used to help determine the rankings.
- Harris Interactive Poll: This poll was conducted by a group of media members, former coaches, and former players. The Harris Poll used a similar methodology to the Coaches’ Poll but was composed of a different set of individuals.
- Computer Rankings: The BCS also included a series of computer-generated rankings that were based on a variety of factors, including a team’s win-loss record, strength of schedule, and other performance indicators. These rankings were calculated by several different computer algorithms, and the results were averaged to determine the final rankings.
- Strength of Schedule: The strength of a team’s schedule was a significant factor in the BCS rankings. Teams that faced tougher competition were generally ranked higher, as their performance was seen as more impressive. Strength of schedule was calculated based on the win-loss records of the teams a particular team played during the season.
The Impact of BCS Rankings on College Football
The BCS rankings had a profound impact on college football, both on and off the field. The rankings determined which teams would play in the most prestigious bowl games, which had significant financial and recruiting implications. Moreover, the BCS rankings created a sense of excitement and controversy, as fans debated which teams deserved to be ranked higher and who should be included in the national championship discussion.
Despite the criticism of the system for not including enough teams in the national title conversation, the BCS rankings were instrumental in shaping college football as we know it today. The transition to the College Football Playoff system in 2014 was seen as a response to these criticisms, providing fans with a more inclusive and exciting playoff format.
Conclusion: The Legacy of BCS Rankings
While the BCS rankings are no longer a part of college football, their impact is still felt today through the College Football Playoff system. The BCS era helped pave the way for the modern playoff system, and the excitement surrounding the rankings in the past continues to influence how we watch and follow college football. Although the BCS system has been replaced, the spirit of competition and the desire to see the best teams in the country compete for the national championship remain as strong as ever. For those who still wonder when BCS rankings came out, the timeline was set in stone each season, providing a memorable chapter in the history of college football.
