How does the BCS affect the number of bowl invitations offered to a conference?

Answer 1

It only matters on who gets invited. The only bowl really affected directly are the National Championship and the Rose Bowl. This year there are about 25 bowl games that will be played and they are basically invite types of events. Many people argue that many teams that are not as good as others get invited just for ratings- for instance Nebraska on an offpeak year still goes to a bowl because people will watch. Of course this is for the sponsor to make $ on advertising.

Also many people argue that there are too many bowls. I personally say they are great revenue for the schools going to them so who cares how many there are...let the schools get the money.

Answer 2

The only impact the BCS has on a conference's number of bowl invitations is that by rule, the maximum number of schools from the same conferece that can be in one of the five BCS games is 2. Take a look at the Big 10 this year. Ohio St. is going to play in the BCS championship game and Michigan will likely play in the Rose Bowl, but Wisconsin is sitting there at 11-1 and would likely be deserving of a BCS bid were it not for this rule.

Most conferences have automatic tie-ins with the bowls, provided that they can generate enough bowl eligible teams (bowl eligible=at least 6 wins, 7 if playing a 13 game season).

Answer 3

It doesn't. There is 200+ bowls.