The process of allowing conferences outside of the traditional six powers to earn BCS bids began in 2004, when Urban Meyer led Utah to an undefeated season and the Fiesta Bowl. Utah was the first BCS Buster, leading the way for Boise State, TCU and Hawaii. Indirectly, Meyer contributed to the conference dominoes we have seen this season. Utah's continued success was the reason for their Pac-10 invite. TCU's success, after joining Utah's former conference, earned them a Big East spot. Meanwhile, Boise State will go to the Mountain West and Hawaii is expected to follow. In a few years, the Mountain West might get the BCS automatic bid Utah deserved in 2004.
Here is a clip of Utah's asskicking of Pitt in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, featuring the best network intro for a bowl game and a young Urban Meyer.