This year’s BCS matchups have certainly met the annual expectation of controversy and scrutiny. From the BCS National Championship matchup to the Sugar Bowl featuring two at-large teams outside the Top 10, lines in the sand have been drawn for and against certain teams belonging.

Now that the dust has settled on this year’s matchups—and the various publications criticizing or supporting them—it’s a good opportunity to explore the much preferred hypothetical playoff possibilities.

Proponents of a playoff system have varying degrees to which they think it should be carried out. Some favor a simple four-team model, others prefer six, eight, or even 16 teams.