Hawaii and the BCS (Big Cash System)

Hawaii is proving to be the exception that proves the rule in the current college football system -- and laughing all the way to the bank. The BCS, or what I call "The Big Cash System" has been under investigation for its monopolistic practices. Critics, including many in Congress, see the BCS as a way for the major football schools and conferences to maintain a competitive advantage. While some of the minor bowls barely reimburse schools for the expenses, the big bowls bring in millions for the participating schools and split up a big chunk among the conference as well. Ferd Lewis of the Honolulu Advertiser explains:

Most people believe, incorrectly, the BCS was designed to determine a national championship. It wasn't. It is supposed to assure that the lion's share of the postseason money — more than $100 million — stays in the pockets of the power conferences. For this the best BCS minds had put together a formula that was supposed to largely fence out the lower classes but leave just enough room to mollify Congress and monopoly-charging lawyers.

Well, the Hawaii Warriors got into the Sugar Bowl on Jan 1 by going undefeated at 12-0. They play a somewhat miffed University of Georgia who thought they should have been heading to the BCS Championship against Ohio State. Georgia is good, but they will have their hands full against the scrappiest team of the year. Colt Brennan, rejected in New York, with the Heisman trophy going to SEC sophomore darling Tim Tebow, is going to be ready to roll. And with three (3) All-American receivers, Jason Rivers, Devone Bess, and Ryan Grice-Mullin, they are ready to rock as well. All-American Hercules Satele anchors the O-line missing 3 starters now in the NFL.

But lest you think its the same pass-happy Hawaii of the Timmy Chang era, they rock on defense this year as well. Greg McMackin, the Defensive Coordinator of the Miami Hurricanes and Seattle Seahawks, returned to Hawaii to help the Warriors to another WAC title. He was there in the late 1990s for one season when Hawaii tied for the WAC top slot.

So tune into Fox on Jan 1 for a primetime worthy game. And watch the BCS system cringe as another team emerges from the margins of college football to challenge the dominant stranglehold on bowl money.