Ohio State vs. ???
The recent buzz surrounding the latest BCS release is that USC is in the driver's seat. That's obviously true, yet that's unfortunate, because the Trojans lost to an unranked Oregon State team while the Gators lost to Auburn. Nobody is going to question which team has played tougher competition.
Why, then, are the Trojans in a better position than the Gators? You'd have to think it has something to do with Florida's unconvincing wins over teams like South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Georgia.
But let's take a closer look. USC beat Washington State by six, Washington by six, and Arizona State by seven. Two of those three games were home games. Really, it must be about USC playing well in the last three weeks (outscoring opponents 100-19) while the Gators have struggled against their I-A opponents over that stretch.
I don't have a problem with USC being ahead of Florida right now. However, Florida hasn't won the SEC yet. If the Gators do win the SEC, they should finish in front of USC, even if the Trojans beat Notre Dame and UCLA. There is an "if" involved in this scenario. "If" UF continues to barely beat its opponents (FSU and a great Arkansas team) and USC dominates Notre Dame and UCLA, then I might change my opinion. It's time for the Gators to stop making excuses and start playing like champions.
Those are my thoughts on USC. Now moving on to Michigan...
Urban Meyer says if Michigan plays Ohio State in the National Championship game, the university presidents need to immediately get together and put a playoff system into place. How about this: the university presidents need to immediately get together and put a playoff in system into place REGARDLESS of which team is playing Ohio State.
I think Michigan has a perfectly legitimate argument for a rematch. So often, coaches, players, writers, and fans want to take a side on a topic worth debating. If UF finishes with one loss, should the Gators jump Michigan in the BCS? Here's my answer: I don't know!
I don't know which team is better. They don't play each other. They don't play the same competition. They both have impressive resumes. This is my problem with the BCS. There is no right answer. There is no way to find out the right answer.
I like Michigan. I think the Wolverines are great. I don't feel the same way about USC. You might have a different opinion, and it's a shame that championships in arguably America's best sport are decided on just that - opinions - of coaches and other voters. Sure, USC just beat Cal, but so did Tennessee. Don't forget that Florida and Arkansas beat Tennessee. They would probably beat Cal too.
And as far as Arkansas is concerned, the general consensus is that Arkansas has very little chance to make the BCS title game. I don't really agree with that. The Razorbacks have considerable ground to make up, currently in sixth place in the BCS. But Arkansas has the best remaining schedule of all the contenders because it is the toughest. If Arkansas beats LSU and Florida, that would be better than anything USC, Notre Dame, or UF could accomplish. Obviously, the Razorbacks aren't going to Arizona unless USC loses, but if that happens, don't count Arkansas out yet.
And now for my final complaint...
I don't understand how anyone can think Notre Dame is better than Arkansas. People need to give up their obsession with that school with the catchy fight song and start paying attention to the Hogs.







Comments
Thanks for finally showing some respect for the Razorbacks. I am a Hog fan from Fayetteville and wish to see them play in the title game but realize that the pollsters and voters don't really care about a team coming off of 2 losing seasons. As for Notre Dame.... I think these voters are watching too much Regis and Kelly
Posted by: Anthony | November 21, 2006 05:22 AM