Sports

With playoff system could create more championship chances for Big Ten teams

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer talks to the media during the Big Ten Football Media Day in Chicago, Monday, July 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (The Associated Press)

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald talks to the media during the Big Ten football media days Monday July 28, 2014, Sports Time Schedule/Planner      (The Associated Press)

As he watched the BCS championship game last season, Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook could not help but wonder what might have been if a playoff system was in place.

No need to wonder anymore.

A four-team playoff to determine a national champion is being implemented this season, and that could open some more opportunities for the Big Ten and the other four power conferences.

Cook says that hopefully "will give everyone an equal opportunity to play for a national championship.

The Spartans went 13-1, beat Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game and knocked off Stanford to capture the Rose Bowl. But when the BCS matchup arrived, it was Florida State taking out Auburn.