I initially set out to see what a BCS-style formula might do differently than the College Football Playoff committee. Instead, I found a formula to predict the committee's actions.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have used a formula similar to the old BCS format -- two-thirds derived from poll averages (the AP and coaches polls) and one-third from computer averages (FPI and SP+ to simulate "best," strength of record and résumé SP+ to simulate "most deserving") -- as an alternate way of ranking teams for playoff selection purposes. (I am ever-so-creatively calling it The Formula.