When the Big Eight becomes the Big 12 next fall, there is a chance that the current system of deciding a conference champion in football will not change as previously thought.

The playoff system, in which an overall champion would be crowned, is in doubt, said Iowa State Athletic Director Gene Smith at Tuesday’s athletic council meeting.

“There is a possibility that we may not have a playoff in football,” Smith said.

Although formation of the new conference is moving along well, according to Smith, he said that it’s undecided as to how the Big 12 championship will be determined.

A playoff system would mean $500,000-$600,000 a year in revenue per school and also offer up a North and South Champion to go along with the overall victor.

If a title game was held within the conference, the loser would be consequently knocked out of the national title picture.

Smith noted that it was “significant to our conference” to have someone in the national title hunt.

While further decisions on the playoff system will be made after this year’s Big Eight season, the fund-raising efforts for the new grass for Jack Trice Field will kick off this week, Smith said.

“We feel that we have a lot of people to help,” Smith said.

A direct mailing effort to season ticket holders and alumni, among others, will start the drive.

One concern about the new grass field has been whether or not concerts will continue to be held at Cyclone Stadium.

Smith said he realized the importance of the concerts to the community of Ames and that the right kind of tarp will be found to cover the field.

Smith also expressed his appreciation towards the fans at the Oklahoma game on Saturday.

“We were very excited about the fan support,” he said. “It’s been outstanding.”

As far as matching the attendance at the Sooner game, Smith said that he doubts that it will be equaled, even when the Colorado Buffaloes visit Ames.

Smith did note his optimism in the student attendance at the games, saying that the students have been the key to the team’s support.