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News Nuggets, 07.16.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Stats ditched, computers downgraded in new BCS equation

There will be fewer numbers to crunch in the revamped version of the Bowl Championship Series formula.

The big question remains whether those numbers will produce better results for one of the few major sports that determines its champion without a postseason tournament.

The Associated Press poll will count for one-third of each team's ranking under the new formula Bowl Championship Series officials unveiled Thursday in their latest attempt to find a simpler, more equitable way to determine a national champion.

Under the new formula, which begins this season, the AP writers' poll, the coaches' poll and a combination of computer rankings will each count for one-third of a team's overall BCS ranking.

Strength of schedule, team record and quality wins, three components used under the old system, have all been eliminated.

"In analyzing the BCS standings, we wanted to develop a ranking formula that would be simpler and more precise," said BCS chairman Kevin Weiberg, the commissioner of the Big 12 Conference.

In three of the last four seasons, there have been at least three teams with legitimate claims for a spot in the BCS title game.

Last year resulted in a split national championship, with LSU winning the BCS title game over Oklahoma and Southern California protecting its top ranking in the AP poll by defeating Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Those who vote in the coaches' poll are obligated to name the winner of the BCS title game the national champion. Writers in the AP poll are under no such obligation.

BCS officials consulted mathematicians to help come up with a new formula that would give them a better chance at ensuring the top two teams in both polls meet in their title game.

"This formula goes a long way to eliminate some of the controversy surrounding previous matchups as we continue to improve upon the system," Weiberg said.

The new formula will no longer average the weekly rank of each team. Instead, teams will be evaluated on the number of voting points they receive in each poll. A team's score in the AP poll will be divided by 1,625, which is the maximum any team can receive. A team's score in the coaches' poll will be divided by 1,500.

The final component will come from six computer rankings. A team's highest and lowest computer ranking will be thrown out and the other four will be used to determine a figure to add to those from the two polls.

Had the new system been in place last year, it would have pitted USC and LSU in the title game.

In 2001, Miami would have played Oregon instead of Nebraska, which made it over the Ducks despite a late-season 62-36 loss to Colorado that knocked the Cornhuskers out of the Big 12 title picture.

In 2000, the game would have pitted Oklahoma and Florida State — the two teams that made it — with Miami being left out despite having one loss and having handed the Seminoles their only loss of the season.

Huggins exile to end next month

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins will be reinstated at the end of August following his suspension for a drunken driving conviction.

"We are satisfied that Coach Huggins has taken appropriate steps while under suspension," athletic director Bob Goin said at a news conference Thursday.

He said school president Nancy Zimpher and board of trustees chairman Phil Cox agreed with the decision to end Huggins' suspension Aug. 27.

Goin declined to say what steps Huggins had taken to be reinstated, saying it was a private matter. University officials talked with people who evaluated Huggins and received reports from them, he said.

"We believe that Coach Huggins will rise to this challenge," Goin said. "The coach is, we believe, prepared to demonstrate his commitment to the university and to the athletics program, and we believe the best way to demonstrate that commitment is to put it into practice."

Huggins began a new three-year contract on July 1, Goin said.

Huggins was placed on paid, indefinite suspension June 12, following his arrest for driving under the influence.

The 50-year-old coach pleaded no contest, was fined $350 and given a suspended six-month jail sentence that required him to attend a three-day education course.

"I'm deeply appreciative of the way the university handled my situation and allowed me the opportunity to return to the role I love," Huggins said in a statement. "It's allowed me time to reflect on changes that certainly I can make personally and professionally that will do nothing but continue to help the mission here at the University of Cincinnati."

Huggins left the news conference without taking questions.

Top assistant Dan Peters is the team's coach until Huggins returns.

Huggins, the Bearcats' coach since 1989, has taken the Bearcats to 13 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. He had a heart attack in September 2002 but didn't miss any games.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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