WASHINGTON — Dismissing complaints from some members that Congress had more pressing matters, a House subcommittee approved legislation yesterday at forcing college football to switch to a playoff system to determine its national champion.
The legislation, which still faces steep odds, would ban the promotion of a postseason NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision game as a national championship unless it results from a playoff. The measure passed by voice vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s commerce, trade and consumer protection subcommittee, with one audible “no,” from Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.).
No. 1 Alabama will meet No. 2 Texas in the Jan. 7 national title game. Three other undefeated teams — TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State — will play in BCS bowl games.
The legislation now goes to the full committee. There is no Senate version.
