The AP poll and the ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll had been the major components of the BCS rankings.

However, the AP said such use was never sanctioned and had reached the point where it threatened to undermine the independence and integrity of its poll.

ESPN had sponsored the coaches’ poll with USA Today since 1997.

Doria said the network became uncomfortable last season, when California lost a shot at a major bowl after dropping in the final coaches’ poll, causing a public outcry and debate among fans.

The Golden Bears finished fourth in the coaches’ poll, but six coaches dropped them below No. 6 on the final ballots — four at No. 7 and two in the eighth slot. In the previous week’s poll, nobody picked Cal lower than sixth.

The final vote came after Cal’s 26-16 win at Southern Mississippi — a close game, but a tough road contest that wasn’t in doubt in the final minutes.

The drop cost Cal its first Rose Bowl bid in 45 years. The Golden Bears instead went to the less glamorous Holiday Bowl while Texas got into the Rose Bowl.

Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures   Oct. 3 - 9 Images from the baseball playoffs, NFL, college football, and more.

“In essence, that was really the determining factor,” Doria said. “The poll was more than something that is there primarily for fans to discuss and debate. It was a determinant element in the BCS poll.”

Monte Lorell, managing editor for sports at USA Today, said he was surprised at ESPN’s decision.

“As recently as a week or so ago, my understanding was that if the coaches were to move to the level of transparency that ultimately they did, that that would satisfy ESPN,” Lorell said.

In November, the BCS signed a four-year deal with Fox to televise the Sugar, Fiesta and Orange bowls from 2007-10 and the national title game from 2007-09. The Rose Bowl has its own television deal with ABC.

“Our BCS interest is focused only on our TV coverage, which begins in January of 2007,” Fox spokesman Dan Bell said.