March 4, 2009
SAN DIEGO -
SDSU News Conference
Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl
San Diego State Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel
Opening statement:
"Obviously the news around the Mountain West today is about the announcement at the press conference that was held at the Mountain West offices today regarding the proposal that is being made by the Mountain West Conference regarding the BCS, a new formula, a new structure, a playoff and many other things. I do want to note a couple things. One is that I know San Diego State has been very, very supportive of this initiative. Dr. (Stephen L.) Weber actually participated in a conference call today and has been one of three presidents very involved from the Mountain West Conference in the process. I don't know if anyone listened to the conference today, but it was a lively one and lots of good questions from the media. I think at this point in time, the timing from the Mountain West Conference and San Diego State's perspective is good timing we think, especially with the success that Utah (football) obviously had this past season and the platform that the Mountain West gives us. It really just isn't this year. If you look at the statistics, the Mountain West Conference over the last few years has been obviously the preeminent non-BCS conference. I think it is time for all of us to take a hard look at the BCS and the qualifications, the automatic qualifications and the system."
On if he thinks this proposal will really be looked at:
"I think personally they'll have to look at it. I think the public will demand that they look at it; I really do. I think there's enough out there, even from BCS conference presidents and athletic directors that support, for example, a playoff. I think this will because of Utah's success and the Mountain West's success that the country has to look at it. The BCS has to look at it."
On the chances of a playoff or change happening soon:
"I would think that the chances of some version of a change, whether that's bits and pieces of what the Mountain West proposed today, I think it's likely that this system is going to change; I really do. There are two things really that are important; the automatic qualifier and almost any way you look at it the last few years the Mountain West Conference should be ahead of the Big East and possibly the ACC. You just can't keep ignoring that. You can't take an undefeated Utah team and take a two- or three-loss team from another league and put them in a BCS game. I think it demands attention. I would suspect that this entire package that was proposed today would not pass. I think there are valid pieces to it that the BCS would look at and take seriously."
On if the BSC would pass on the proposal:
"I think we would just continue; I think we continue on. We continue to put the pressure on, continue to make it a public discussion across this country because I think it is a discussion item across the country right now. I would guess if they say no thanks this time we'll continue to put it in front of them."