NYTimes article: Popularity and Pedigree Matter in the B.C.S.

[ReadCT]

Not that this is a shock to anybody who regularly pays attention to college football. But interesting to see it proven empirically.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/sports/ncaafootball/in-bcs-popularity-and-pedigree-matter.html

"There is also evidence that teams with wider fan bases are more likely to be treated favorably by B.C.S. voters — meaning that the surveys are a popularity contest, at least in part.

A marquee name like Notre Dame is likely to finish a couple of ranks higher than, for instance, Mississippi State or Northwestern given equivalent performance on the field."

So.... if I may quote Jim Mora:

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