Only a couple of weeks have started for college football to enter the sports scene; and this season already has unparalleled excitement because of the unique circumstances surrounding it.
Since its creation in 1998, the Bowl Championship Series – BCS – has stirred up fierce controversy on an annual basis. By combining computer polls with the human eye test, the BCS determined the final two teams that would compete in the national championship game. During the weeks heading into the final rankings, teams would attempt to make their resume appealing in comparison to others by any means necessary; whether it was by taking care of business against their tougher competition or mercilessly running the score up on their mediocre opponents.
On several occasions, the final two spots were difficult to determine; and sometimes an impressive undefeated team was left on the outside looking in. The problem was that many thought the best two teams weren’t playing in the national championships. Fans felt that teams were receiving invites based solely on their membership in a power conference such as the SEC, while those that were in smaller conferences – for example Boise State – were constantly overlooked.
But as college football fans know, this season marks the first year a four team playoff is implemented. As opposed to the past, a selection committee will now choose four participants to compete in two semifinals matches, with the winners advancing to the national championship game. They will take into account several different features of a team’s resume, including strength of schedule, number of losses, and – differentiating it from the BCS – whether or not a team wins its conference.
With the modifications to the postseason structure come noticeable improvements in the technological means to transmit it.
“College football’s popularity keeps growing and the new playoff will only enhance this great game. Our fans want year-round, 24-hour access and news, and we will provide it,” assures College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock. “We are committed to delivering a comprehensive website, mobile applications and family digital products with strong, dynamic social engagement.”
Four features characterize the new launch of the College Football Playoffs Website:
1. There will be responsive website technology allowing for easy navigation through a page with an aesthetically pleasing layout. At the center of the website is a very eye-captivating photo of former Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin’s game-winning touchdown in last year’s national championship game. Other, more historical photos comprise the rest of the site. The layout of the website caters to each individual preference. For example, fans only interested in the unfoldings of the Southeastern Conference can click on the logo at the top right and will be immediately transferred to the official SEC site. The user-friendly site allows fans to quickly find what they are looking for, without the hassle of typing into a search engine.
2. Users will experience active integration via several different means, most notably social media. At the top right of the page lies the direct medium to the College Football Playoff’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest accounts. Of these, Twitter is the most interactive; therefore, live updates for fans are just a click away. In addition to social media, users will also be integrated via game-week ancillary event information, ticket packaging opportunities, and through weekly rankings provided by the College Football Selection Committee.
3. Smartphone as well as iPad tablet users will enjoy the integration of the new mobile application. The College Football Playoff app provides fans with an overview of the playoff system, a countdown until the first playoff game, and a system for mock brackets to be made – similar to March Madness. The app will also allow users to receive detailed information on matches, including live game updates.
4. The final addition of the new launch will be exclusive video content involving pertinent topics surrounding the playoff. They are presented on both an informative and entertainment basis. Fans can now view several videos, from a one-on-one interview. to another focusing on the presentation of the Heisman Trophy, to even one covering the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – the widespread trend of people pouring buckets of ice over their head to spread awareness and hopefully find a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Pending new advances, both on and off the field, fans will be well informed via this new site and now have reason to optimistically look forward to an exhilarating year in the world of college football.