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ORLANDO - College coaches want polls to carry more weight during the selection process for the Bowl Championship Series, hoping to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment created by a split national championship.
The American Football Coaches Association, which represents the 117 coaches of Division I-A teams, also wants better access to the high-paying BCS bowls for teams that don't compete in power conferences.
"I'm not surprised by these recommendations," AFCA executive director Grant Teaff said Wednesday. "The current system may not be perfect but it is one that the Division I-A coaches continue to prefer.
"Coaches also believe that all Division I-A teams should have access to a BCS-level game because it is important that student-athletes all have the opportunity to compete at the highest level."
More than 70 coaches met at the end of the AFCA's convention Wednesday to vote on proposals to BCS administrators. It is unknown when conference commissioners who coordinate the BCS would take up the requests.
ALABAMA: Kent Johnston, with the Seahawks since 1999, was hired as strength and conditioning coach, replacing Ben Pollard.
FLORIDA: Three Gators made the 27-member Scripps/FWAA (Football Writers Association of America) Freshman All-America Team. Quarterback Chris Leak, defensive lineman Ray McDonald and linebacker Channing Crowder were among six SEC players named to the team, chosen by an 11-person committee representing each Division I-A conference.
FLORIDA STATE: Defensive end Kevin Emanuel, linebacker Kendyll Pope and defensive tackle Jeff Womble will be reunited with former FSU offensive coordinator Mark Richt for The Villages Gridiron Classic Jan. 31 at The Villages Polo Stadium in central Florida. Richt, Georgia's head coach, will lead the South team of all-stars. Kickoff is noon and it will be televised on ESPN. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: West Virginia strength and conditioning coach Jim Nowell joined the staff of new coach Sylvester Croom.
SOUTHERN CAL: All-America defensive end Kenechi Udeze announced he will skip his senior year to enter the NFL draft.