Mark Cuban Wants To Organize 13th Regular Season Games

The proposal, like Cuban’s midseason playoff scheme, addresses the most pressing issue with the postseason, data input. The structure of selecting two teams could work in theory, but a small sample size and risk avoidance by major programs limits the amount of useful data for determination. The faux title games would provide better information about those four teams, but would that information be valuable?

Unless there is a tangible BCS bid tie-in, will any of the top teams play in this faux title game? It carries the same risk that scares away teams from playing multiple tough non-conference games during the regular season. There has to be a reward that counters that. The assumption that these games would enhance a team’s application for a BCS game rests on the BCS choosing teams by merit, which often is not the case. Even if Boise State went 12-1 instead of 11-1, Ohio State and Arkansas would still have gotten in ahead of them. If Slive and Delany had their way, a third Big Ten and SEC team would get in ahead of them.

Andy Staples argues the plan might need Notre Dame involved to work. Notre Dame has no incentive. They already play a tough enough schedule to get into a BCS title game. They are at no risk of being shutout of the BCS. Maybe a firm commitment from the Big 12 and Big East could get this done, but why would a BCS-title game or BCS-automatic bound Oklahoma or Texas go through with it?

Cuban would need big teams to get the television networks to commit to a large amount of money. He would need a large amount of money from the television networks to get big teams to commit. The advantage for the teams would be almost purely financial. His heart is in the right place. It would be exciting if it works out, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome.

[Photo via Getty]