BCS shifts to find right mix

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

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

Both major national polls will count for one-third of each team's ranking under the new formula BCS officials unveiled Thursday in their latest attempt to find a simpler, more equitable way to come up with the top two teams in the college football title game.

Of course, in describing the new formula, BCS chairman Kevin Weiberg issued the same caveat that has existed throughout the six seasons of this system.

"There is not a perfect tool out there in this system that will eliminate all controversy," said Weiberg, the Big 12 commissioner who took over as BCS chairman this year.

Under the new formula, which goes into effect this season, the Associated Press 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, the thought being that all are already factored into the computer rankings.

In the past, results from the AP and coaches' polls were averaged, then factored in with the other components - which lessened the significance of the polls.

In three of the past four seasons, there have been at least three teams with legitimate claims for the two spots in the BCS title game.

Last year resulted in a split national championship, with Louisiana State 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.