This debate—among fans, journalists, conference representatives, government officials, university administrators, coaches and players—concerned whether or not the postseason format of NCAA Division I-A (later the Football Bowl Subdivision, or FBS) should be changed or modified.
This led to further debate about replacing the BCS with a bracket-style playoff, while others advocated for a simpler "plus-one" format, which would have created a single national championship game with participants selected after the conclusion of the traditional bowl season.
In January 2015, Ohio State beat Oregon, 42–20, to win the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship game.
[11][12] United States Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) indicated that he would hold congressional hearings on the BCS after the 2008 Utah Utes football team of the Mountain West Conference (MWC) weren't a participant in the BCS national championship game after finishing the regular season undefeated.
The MWC commissioner argued for a selection committee to replace the BCS ranking system, the establishment of an eight-team playoff, and a revision to the automatic qualifier rules.
This was set to go into effect following the 2013 season, utilizing a selection committee to determine which teams would play for the championship in a four-team playoff.
According to CBSSports.com wire reports and information obtained by the Associated Press, Senator Orrin Hatch received a letter from the justice department concerning the possibility of a legal review of the BCS.
The letter, received on January 29, 2010, states that the Obama administration will explore options to establish a college football playoff including (a) an antitrust lawsuit against the BCS, (b) legal action under Federal Trade Commission consumer protection laws, (c) encouragement of the NCAA to take control of the college football postseason, (d) the establishment of an agency to review the costs and benefits of adopting a playoff system, and (e) continued legislation in favor of a playoff system.
Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich writes, "The administration shares your belief that the lack of a college football national championship playoff ...raises important questions affecting millions...." BCS Executive Director Bill Hancock responded to the letter that the BCS complies with all laws and is supported by the participating Division I universities.
Despite Big 10 Commissioner Delaney's assertion that if the BCS were to fold they would "go back to the old system"[17] if a court ordered a solution such as a playoff the Conferences would have no choice in the matter, and would be required – especially if a determination is made that the BCS is an illegal trust or cartel – to do whatever the court says, including submitting to federal oversight of the Bowl's and Bowl teams' finances and administration, and conducting a 4, 8 or 16 team playoff, or whatever other remedy the court ordered in their holding.