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The integrity of the BCS has once again sparked a wildfire of incendiary debates. If any year calls for change, it has been 2008. I don’t even think Danica McKellar (or Winnie Cooper if you prefer) can decipher the logic math behind BCS computer rankings.
In the final regular season BCS poll, Oklahoma has jumped Texas for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game against Big 12 South’s Missouri. Looks like their 45-35 campaign was fruitless.
1. Alabama, .9713
2. Oklahoma, 9351
3. Texas, .9223
4. Florida, .8851
5. USC, .8076
6. Utah, .7844
7. Texas Tech, .7805
8. Penn State, .7373
9. Boise State, .7034
10. Ohio State, .6340
So what does this mean going forward? Why bother to offer a prognostication? Now parity truly comes into play. If Florida manages to beat ‘Bama, will they leapfrog Texas despite the sizeable BCS average margin the ‘Horns hold over the Gators? Or will Texas get their chance to prove themselves against the Sooners once more?
Personally, I’d love to see an all-Big 12 BCS title game. But an SEC/Big 12 matchup would be nice too…a chance to establish once and for all — which conference is the best conference?
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Last week, I did my best to suggest that an all Big 12 BCS title game was on the horizon. But because I refuse to give the SEC any credit this season, I had to consult the BCS guru, Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times, for some unbiased guidance. Now that the weekend is done, Chris shows us the light with his explanation of why an all Big 12 BCS title game is now even more likely to occur…with a little help from the stars, of course.
Mike Leach didn’t predict the storm brought on by OU. Even if you thought Oklahoma would win, there’s no way you saw the 44-lb hammer come down.
The pride and prestige of winning the National Championship is represented by the beautiful Waterford Crystal football awarded to the winner. That’s all well and good, but some teams find it more rewarding to fight for other trophies — oars, oaken buckets, skillets. Check out SI’s photo slideshow of college football’s unusual trophies.
Did anyone else notice that Div 1-AA (I refuse to call it F-whatever it is) >James Madison snuck it’s way into the BCS poll? I think it’s great (coming from a Div 1-AA football school), but it definitely shows the obscure nature of the BCS ranking system.
Rob Carr | AP
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I feel this photo best describes the ongoing frustration felt by Philly fans everywhere. This one accomplishes the same for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. I feel sorry for McNabb. I feel like offering the guy some tissue paper. Not to wipe his tears, but so he can blow his nose. Is it me, or does he sound a little nasally?
Who needs Tom Brady? Matt Cassel is one more 400-yard game (and victory) away from scoring Gisele. It’s highly likely free agency will be kind to Cassel, but what about making Tom Brady the next Drew Bledsoe? History always seems to repeat itself, especially in the NFL (i.e. Favre, Montana). Waiting your turn as an NFL quarterback pays off.
Maybe it’s just me (it usually is)…but everytime I see these pre-game analysts use Madden or some other simulation software to predict a game, I roll my eyes. Now come to find out there are football programs out there using interactive software to plan games and bridge the generation gap between players and coaches. If you think the Patriots video taping sessions are bad, imagine the quarterback waiting for the play call from upstairs while the Offensive Coordinator plays the upcoming scenario on a frikken video game. “What Would Madden Do?”
Speaking of Madden, if I have to hear that “$5 Footlong” jingle one more time…
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Gosh, I love alliteration.
With the final weeks of college football upon us, excessive dissection and misguided predictions have troubled many fans. I blame it on the pick ‘em. I’m running through my picks last night with one of my friends. Since I’ve racked up a 65%+ success rate the last 5 or 6 weeks against the spread, all of a sudden I’m the guru. (Excuse me a sec…I’m gonna finish eating my piece of humble pie).
As I explained each of my picks for this weekend (where in the hell did Georgia Tech come from, BTW), the gerbils in my head started running at alarming speeds.
Could there be an all-Big 12 BCS Championship Game?
Yeah. I was sure of it. Let’s assume OU ruins Texas Tech’s spotless season…or they don’t…whatever. If the Big 12 Champion is OU, Texas, or Tech with a 12-1 record (OU still has to play Oklahoma State) and Florida loses to FSU but beats Alabama, the National Championship game could be all Big 12, right? Lest we forget LSU made it in last year with 2 losses. So, who’s to say the computers won’t like Florida enough to leapfrog one of these Big 12 teams for a shot at the title?
I’ve been arguing with my friends about the possibility of an all-Big 12 BCS Championship game. Forget it’s improbability. I’m just asking “is it possible”. Sure. But the explanation above wasn’t good enough for them especially with the two-loss Florida caveat. So this guru decided to consult the real BCS guru: Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times.
I won’t take the time to qualify the guy. I mean [1] he writes for the L.A. Times, [2] trust me, or [3] read this BCS article. I shot Chris a quick email to get his take. His scenario is this:
A three-way tie at 11-1 in the Big 12 South — which means OU beating Texas Tech and then all three teams winning their last games — could do it. Let’s say OU goes to the Big 12 title game versus Mizzou based on highest BCS ranking. Now you have Texas and Texas Tech each at 11-1 waiting in the wings. Missouri with two losses beats Oklahoma in Big 12 game.
Meanwhile in the SEC, Florida loses to FSU next week but beats Alabama in SEC title game. Now, the likely title game is Texas vs. Texas Tech…second and third in Big 12 South.
Chris also added that “the big thing is that since the BCS just altered its own rule that prohibits three teams from one conference playing in the BCS, in my scenario Missouri, Texas, and Texas Tech can all be in BCS games. Mizzou would go to the Fiesta Bowl as auto qualifier.”
Wow. I think my gerbils are dead…resting maybe. Seriously, though…that is a much better explanation. We’ll find out if any of this analysis is worth anything starting tomorrow. Parity is a bitch.
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College football purists can rest easy. The National Championship won’t be a couple of cinderella squads. But a few did find their way into a BCS bowl.
Williams keeps opponents on their heels.
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The Juice is loose. One of my personal favs, Illinois, will meet one of my most disliked squads, USC in the 2008 Rose Bowl. In fact, the only thing I like about Southern Cal is Will Ferrell. Not only did Illinois post a 2-10 record last season, but the Illini, led by quarterback Juice Williams, surpassed the role of spoiler by beating all but one ranked opponent. But while I really like Illinois, I can’t reasonably predict a win over the Trojans. But I sure hope they do.
Hawaii on the other hand meets arguably its toughest opponent of the year in Georgia. There were some, including Georgia head coach, Mark Richt, that thought the Bulldogs were given unfair bowl placement following its October 6th loss Tennessee. But after winning 6 straight, they’ve certainly made a case for the big dance. Regardless, Georgia’s success should make Hawaii content with its Sugar Bowl nod. In a sense, this game provides a different “title game” scenario — an undefeated, overlooked Hawaii versus a bitter, deserving Georgia. Hawaii has an opportunity to live up to Boise State’s 2007 Fiesta Bowl performance and add merit and awareness to the mid major squads.
Misery Loves Missouri
Alot can be said about the Missouri Tigers and the “consolation prize” it received with its Cotton Bowl selection. Fine. Oklahoma is better. We get it. But are they not better than Kansas? I mean…Missouri did beat Kansas a week ago, 36-28. And Missouri’s only two losses came from the same opponent, Oklahoma. The Tigers also defeated Illinois. I think it’s safe to say that Missouri got snubbed. If there’s any year to argue FOR a playoff system, this would be it. But don’t get too excited.
The Biggest Games. The Best Tickets. StubHub.com
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 Courtesy GETTY IMAGES—–
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It should be no surprise that LSU has regained the pole position in the latest BCS rankings. After a strong 5-0 start, LSU escaped the BCS guillotine by putting together some last-second tactics to get the necessary “W”. This weekend, the Tigers were back in early-season form putting away Louisiana Tech, 58-10.
My early season favorite, Oregon, fought its way to #2 after beating Arizona State two weeks ago. They could conceptually run the table for remainder of the season and earn its place in the BCS championship game.
Kansas may be the spoiler. Depsite boasting an unbeaten record, the Jayhawks haven’t found the respect they believe they deserve. However, with a win against Missouri in two weeks and a Big 12 Championship win, it would be no surprise that they leapfrog Oregon in the rankings. Assuming both teams run the table, Kansas and #4 Oklahoma would simultaneously battle it out for a BCS Championship and Big 12 Championship bid.
BCS Rankings
Water Under The Bridge?
A month ago, I made some implausible college football observations one of which included a nod for Illinois and Kansas.
Will someone rank Illinois already? They feature an all-purpose running back in Rashard Mendenhall and a secondary equipped with radar. Speaking of underrated teams, get Kansas in there too.
Both have lived up to my expectations. Illinois has become one of the premiere spoiler teams after knocking off top ranked Ohio State, and Kansas eased its way into the top by remaining unbeaten. If there is any season to use as an argument against the BCS and for a playoff system, this is it!
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