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Wander into a barber shop in any small town across America and you’ll soon learn what’s on the minds of the locals. It’s a gathering spot where men hash out all the news that’s fit to print and some that isn’t.

There are ground rules. You don’t talk about religion, and you certainly don’t talk politics. Either will get you in a lot of trouble.

But if you want to get them talking, just mention the words “Bowl Championship Series.”

Nothing fires up football fans like the BCS, a cartel of six conferences and Notre Dame that goes against the very backbone of small-town...