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Utah Senate urges NCAA to adopt playoff system and honors undefeated Utes
Summary
The Utah Senate passed a resolution urging the NCAA to replace the BCS with a playoff system, amended the text to send a copy to President Barack Obama, and welcomed the 2008 University of Utah football team to the Capitol where Coach Kyle Whittingham and players were introduced.
The Utah State Senate unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 11, which urges the National Collegiate Athletic Association to abandon the Bowl Championship Series in favor of a playoff system. Sponsor Senator Jenkins noted the 2008 University of Utah team's 13‑0 record and Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama as an example of why a playoff would ensure an undisputed national champion.
Senators amended the resolution on the floor to add President Barack Obama to the list of recipients; the amendment was accepted as a friendly amendment and the body adopted the resolution under suspension of the rules. The joint resolution and an accompanying House Concurrent Resolution recognizing the 2008 University of Utah football team (HCR4) both passed and were returned to the House for final action.
Following the formal votes, the Senate went into Committee of the Whole to receive members of the University of Utah team. Coach Kyle Whittingham introduced mostly graduating seniors and staff, thanked the Senate for recognition, and described the season as a "wonderful ride." Senators and guests offered congratulations, and the body dissolved the Committee of the Whole after player introductions and brief remarks.
The resolution and the public recognition were presented as ceremonial legislative actions; sponsors said they would forward copies of the adopted resolution to the NCAA, the BCS administration, the University of Utah and the state's congressional delegation and the President of the United States.
