5 Reasons Why The College Football Playoff Is Working

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- People love to hate. It's a common thread we all share, particularly within the confines of social media, where consequences are rare and sensitivity is at an all-time high.

In its first year in existence, the newly formed College Football Playoff is already being sharply criticized. But the truth is, it is working.

Here are five reasons why this system is performing as it should -- and how we would like it to.

1. No Glaring Ommissions

Alabama, Oregon, TCU, Florida State

Is there a team on the outside looking in that unquestionably deserves a shot at a National Title? For most, the answer is no.

Sure, Baylor has a legitimate gripe based on its head-to-head win over the No. 3 ranked Horned Frogs. But losing to a 7-5 West Virginia team is equally damning.

And Ohio State? If its third string quarterback shreds Wisconsin on Saturday, then we'll talk.

No one questions the qualifications of Oregon and Alabama. And as of right now, the two are in line to meet in the title game at AT&T Stadium in January. Mission accomplished.

2. Controversy Still Exists

What would college football be without a little controversy? The truth is, it's good for the game.

Without controversy, Big 10 fans wouldn't care about a TCU-Iowa State game on the season's final week. Fans in Waco wouldn't tune into the ACC Title Game. And ESPN -- well, they'd probably cease to exist (I kid).

The unending debate brings attention and awareness to the game. It brings intrigue to the season's final weekend. And it sparks conversation where silence would likely reside.

3. It's Not The BCS

Under the old BCS, Florida State would sit at No. 1 and be in line to play for the National Championship.

Are they better than Alabama? No. Oregon? Probably not. TCU? Perhaps.

But kudos to the committee for reflecting that in its standings and allowing an undefeated team to slide to No. 4.

The Seminoles have won a staggering 28 straight games, but the "eye test" doesn't lie.

Oregon would have a legitimate gripe under the old BCS system if they sat at No. 3. Problem solved.

4. Conference Representation

As it stands now, the SEC, Pac-12, Big 12, and ACC are all represented in the playoff. That could absolutely change, but seeing this shoots down the notion that the SEC might occupy up to three spots.

That won't happen this year. And there's nothing to suggest that future years will be any different.

5. Transparency

You can hate the decisions made by the committee, but you have to respect selection chairman Jeff Long coming out each week and providing explanations for each major decision.

The committee is held (somewhat) accountable for their actions.

There's no secret computer formula. Critics of the BCS wanted less computational impact and more common sense factoring into the decisions.

It appears the committee is doing that.

Hate the decisions and gripe about your alma mater. But the truth is, the College Football Playoff is working as it should in its much-anticipated debut.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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