I just had the same question the other day about football. Why does Alabama win all the time? They just straight demolish the other team. I know they say they have a good coach and they are a good team and I wont doubt that. But idk dont it kinda strike anyone kinda strange. Arent there other good coaches and good teams out there?
I know 0 about football. Im getting kinda turned off from football (not like I really watch it but my husband does) These wins are looking unnatural
the U of alabama has a long football tradition there; they place a lot of emphasis on having a great program: coaches, weight training, etc. the southeastern united states is arguably more into college football than any other region of the US. i would say an equal comparison would be football/soccer for manchester or ice hockey for canadians.
incoming recruits are not subject to strict academic requirements like some other universities, so top athletes who can scarcely read or write will be admitted. athletes with criminal backgrounds will be passed over by schools with scruples while other schools, desperate to build their program, will look the other way.
lastly, the high school athletes` goal is to turn pro and make millions. the best way is to get to the highest profile team so they get the most coverage in the media. this attracts the best recruits to the best football schools every year. this leads to long dynasties where the same coach (in this case, nick saban) leads them to championships on a regular basis.
with that aside...
the author of those books (and i heard a podcast incidentally by this guy this morning) and that website only accused the professional sports of rigging the games. he didnt mention college sports. however, there have been several scandals one of which involved the northwestern U point shaving in basketball.
i would say that the college games could be fixed, but i would doubt that they have the magnetic/chipped football or the basketball rim that repels the basketball when magnetized (
q.v. JCs link; first page). there are too many colleges and universities and too many people are involved. any athletic department might be at risk for exposing the rigged balls, and those kids might talk to other students-- theyre not paid athletes so they cannot be bribed. if anything, the referees/umpires/line judges could sway the games.
the podcast said that those who control these things want big matchups that bring in the most revenue. alabama is popular now and they have a big following. it would be in their interest to keep that going and have them meet up with another big school with a big following to create the biggest game they can in the championship.
the guy said-- and this was shocking-- that in the NHL (pro hockey), they will never have 2 canadian teams battle it out for the title. never. they would lose the entire US television market for the series and that makes no financial sense to them.