[Editor's note: This is a continuing look at what my design would look like for this year and will walk backwards one year per week, until the dawn of the BCS era. For other years and a better look at my design look here.]

Qualifying teams

Florida State, Virginia Tech and Nebraska would have qualified as the top group of teams. Marshall would have qualified for being undefeated.

Since Marshall is not in the top 8 of the standings and would not face three rounds the next group of teams would be added. This group consisted of Alabama, Tennessee, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State and
Florida.

Since this would expand the field past 8 teams the largest gap allowing a field between 5 and 8 would be used. This gap occurred between Alabama and Tennessee, so only Alabama would have been added.

Tournament

On December 19th or 20th Alabama would host Marshall for the opportunity to play Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Virginia Tech and Nebraska would play in the Wild Card Game. The winners would advance to the National Championship Game.

Possible BCS Bowls

Sugar: Tennessee vs. Southern Mississippi
Fiesta: Kansas State vs. Georgia Tech
Rose: Wisconsin vs. Stanford
Orange: Michigan vs. Miami(FL)

Teams in bold would have been tied to that berth, italics indicate a BCS berth would have been guaranteed.

Three at large spots would have required the BCS eligibility to be lowered to #18 and the official standings for that year were only released to 15. With three spots open it is possible the field might have required expanding to 22. Miami(FL), Southern Mississippi and Georgia Tech would have been likely candidates. Allowing a third team from a conference in the top 14 would have allowed Michigan State, Florida, Penn State, or Minnesota to be selected instead.

What actually happened and a tier based plus one next.

What actually happened

BCS Games

NCG-Sugar: FSU 46 Virginia Tech 29
Orange: Michigan 35 Alabama 34(OT)
Fiesta: Nebraska 31 Tennessee 21
Rose: Wisconsin 17 Stanford 9

Kansas State, Michigan State, Florida, Penn State, Marshall, Minnesota and Texas A&M were BCS eligible but not selected.

Under the current rules Marshall would have earned an automatic qualification.

Controversy

FSU had a solid lead on everyone but Nebraska and Virginia Tech were in a dead heat for the second spot in the championship game. The fact that Nebraska had a loss reduced complaints about the selection of undefeated Virginia Tech over them.

In addition to FSU and Virginia Tech, Marshall finished the season undefeated and beat BYU 21-3 in the Motor City Bowl.

Michigan was selected over a higher ranked Kansas State, part of the three year Kansas State snub series.

A Tier Based Plus-One

Semifinals

FSU would play Alabama and Virginia Tech would play Nebraska in the semifinal games.

Direct Participants

Stanford and Wisconsin would have qualified for direct participation due to not
qualifying for a second bowl.

Marshall would have been guaranteed a spot in the first round games.

Remaining Teams Eligible for a Second Bowl

Kansas State, East Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas would have been eligible for a second bowl.

Possible first round games

Mid-West: Michigan State vs. Kansas State
North: Marshall vs. Michigan
South: Tennessee vs. East Carolina
West: Texas vs. Florida

An Improvement

Both alternative desings avoid the Kansas State snub and the flexible tournament would have allowed Marshall a chance to earn a title. The Virginia Tech/Nebraska debate would have been settled on the field.