Welcome to the second installment of the series on changes coming to college football.

Today, we will consider how conference realignment may affect the NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Currently, 139 schools make up the FBS. They are quite disparate. While all schools at this level all have 85 scholarships, the playing field is far from level. The inequality is best seen in differences like home fields. Stadiums across the FBS range in capacity from 22,000 to 115,000 fans. As stark are the differences in fan support, recruiting prestige, and financial resources.

A pattern has developed. Stronger FBS programs balance their schedule by combining a few low-level programs (or FCS programs) into their schedule. Scheduling these "cupcakes" has become part of the plan to ensure a successful season.

College athletic directors balance tough conference games with a few tune-up games. In the minds of many, everyone wins. Strong teams get a no-pressure game to get ready for others and to play backups. Weak teams get exposure for recruiting and money for their athletic departments.

Strength of schedule is part of the discussion around the College Football Playoffs. Yet, it never seems that weak non-conference opponents ever hurt a contender. The "everyone is doing it" mentality rules the day.

The practice will continue until the Power 5 conferences are forced to change. What could force their hands? Economic pressure is the most likely change agent. As the value of television rights for college football escalate, broadcast networks cannot afford bad games. They must provide large, engaged audiences to justify advertising rates.

The answer lies in a solution offered by Nick Saban. Divide the FBS into tiers. Group the strongest 65 teams into a single division. Mandate teams in this division play all 11 of their games within the division.

I would add one element to Coach Saban's plan. Institute soccer-style relegation for the bottom 5 teams in the upper-division. Relegation would keep bottom dwellers engaged. Can you imagine the intensity of the competition? How about the interest in both the teams vying for the playoffs and those trying to avoid relegation. The drama could be amazing.

My money would be on Saban and the Tide in this format. With a more level playing field, coaching would take on an even greater significance. Coach Saban's ability to lead in-game adjustments would be accentuated the way it is in the current playoffs. Recruiting would be more valuable as well. Greater depth is more important when there are no throwaway games. Nick Saban's process is tailor-made for producing in intense environments like this.

A realignment of the FBS is inevitable. What do you think? What changes do you believe will occur? Share your comments here on Twitter. Follow Alongside the Tide for the rest of this series.