Hancock, who still expects a conclusion in July, said the group of BCS decision-makers will meet again at the end of this month.
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said all of the Big Ten athletic directors are comfortable exploring the possibility of a four-team playoff.
“Four is better than two,’’ Hollis said.
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith agreed and said the discussions stem from feedback “that we need to do something different,’’ especially after the recent BCS title game between LSU and Alabama drew lower ratings that other championship games.
“The fans have been loud and clear,’’ Smith said. “We also recognize that structurally there’s things that we want to try and change with the bowl system — how teams get in the bowls. It’s time to be curious about everything.’’
The BCS title game pits the nation’s top two teams based on poll and computer rankings. The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that one idea before the Big Ten calls for playing the two semifinal games on the campuses of the higher seeded teams, with the national championship held in a city awarded hosting rights — like the Super Bowl.
The so-called plus-one format — two semifinals plus the title game — was proposed in 2008 by the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference. It was shot down by the leaders of the Big Ten, Pac-10, Big East, Big 12 and Notre Dame.
“I am pleased to hear there is renewed interest in the plus-one format, the same format we introduced for consideration in 2008,’’ SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement to the AP. “There are many details that need to be considered and it is premature to be campaigning for any particular plus-one model.’’
The 11 Bowl Championship Series conferences have already met to discuss possible changes to the system starting in 2014. NCAA President Mark Emmert has said he supports a four-team championship playoff and is strongly against a 16-team format.
