Article Rebuttal

Colton Fitch

BCOM/275

July 18, 2012
Peter Quinn

Article Rebuttal

In an article titled “No college football playoff, please” the author Chuck Klosterman argues that a playoff system for college football would be bad for the sport. In a short rebuttal to the article I will analyze the reliability, credibility, and validity of the data used by the author as well as identifying any fallacies in the argument. In the article the author takes a position against a playoff system for college football and ends it by stating, “I realize no one else feels this way. I do not care” (Klosterman, 2007). That statement itself is a common fallacy of rationalizing. The author is stating their opinion on the issue at the same time rejecting any other feedback on the topic. So basically saying this is what I think and what you think does not matter. The author’s argument itself is not reliable for he only states his side of the issue; this leaves a lot of controversial issues left untouched. As far as the credibility of this argument the author’s only source used is that of his own opinions. This makes it hard for the audience to take the authors side regarding the argument. Without any outside sources one can only relate to the authors opinions. The argument itself can be considered as valid only because the author sticks to the premise against a playoff system and also concludes with that same train of though regarding the subject. Therefore it is a valid argument, however it can be seen as a very rational one in itself because the author makes no attempt in relating his feelings on the subject with those he is trying to persuade. In conclusion, I take the side opposing the author’s argument. I believe a playoff system for college football will not only eliminate numerous bowl games that seem to be pointless, but will also bring a new level of excitement to the postseason as well as creating an equal shot for any team to make it to the championship. In an online article titled “Feds to NCAA: Why no playoffs?” Hatch called the BCS a "mess" and said that "privileged conferences" have tremendous advantages over the unprivileged. Under the BCS, the champions of six conferences have automatic bids to play in top-tier bowl games; other conferences don't. Those six conferences also receive more money than the other conferences (Associated Press, 2011). Overall a playoff system would be fairer for other teams as well as adding a new level of excitement to the NCAA.

References

Klosterman, C. (2007). No College Football Playoff, Please. Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com

Associated Press. (2011). Feds to NCAA: Why No Playoffs?. Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com